Communication Statement

Home-School Partnership and School Communication Statement

At the heart of our school community lies a shared commitment with parents and carers to our children’s learning and well-being. In our home-school partnership, we have the responsibility to work cooperatively to achieve our shared goals for children. This works best when understanding, respect and a collaborative spirit is placed at the centre of our relationship.

We value the home-school partnership and recognise that constructive communication is essential to it. With this vital nature, it is important there is a mutual understanding of how communication should occur to ensure those teachers and staff working with children can operate effectively.

Staff Wellbeing Matters for Children

The wellbeing of our staff is fundamental to the quality of education and care we provide children. Whether it is in their daily duties or offering the range of extracurricular opportunities, including our clubs and residentials, they go beyond what is normally expected and often before their own and family commitments. Without this dedication our school would not be the special place it is. To provide the best for our children, we need to ensure we recognise the important role staff play for them and work in support of this. We want to keep our amazing staff and perpetuate the many unique opportunities and experiences they create.

Reigate Priory mirrors the national picture - endeavouring to meet ever increasing demands with extremely tight finances, reduced staff resources and overburdened external support systems. Like parents and carers, we have high expectations, however within this landscape it is important that parents and carers understanding the school’s need to prioritise its effort and resources.

Communication Pathway

In addition to teachers being available for a short catch-up in the playground at collection, they and other staff can be contacted via email or by making a phone call through the School Office. For more in-depth discussions an appointment can be made at a mutually convenient time. Click on this link for our Communication Pathway and use these channels for any queries, concerns, or feedback you wish to share.

All communication is triaged so that it can be responded to in the correct fashion and most appropriate time frame. Daily, the school manages an increasing amount and wide range of communication. It is recognised that parent and carer communication is important, however some communication will take priority – staff are not expected to meet subjective deadlines and are unable to explain prioritisation due to reasons of confidentiality.

Patience and Understanding in Response Times

Our staff dedicate and fill their days with planning, teaching and supporting the children they care for - they are exceptionally busy people.  Responses to parent and carer communications will be provided as soon as reasonably practical - patients and understanding in this is appreciated.

We aim to do this in two to three working days; however, this is not a hard deadline and may well be extended dependant on the nature of your request and the prioritised workload of those who would be responding.

Before reaching out, parents and carers should check whether other school communications may answer any queries – this includes referring to our school website. 

Respectful Communication

Whether written or verbal, it is imperative, and we expect, that all communication with staff remains respectful, considerate, and constructive. We do not tolerate any communication that is aggressive, abusive, threatening or otherwise causes fear or distress whether in person, over the phone, email or online, this includes excessive, unreasonable and repeated demands.

Prior to any contact with school, parents and carers should reflect on the content of their communication. For example, when composing emails, take time to consider the language and tone of their communication before pressing send, especially if it has been written late at night and/or using AI. 

As parents and carers, you have the right to be heard, understood and respected. The school works hard to be open and accessible to everyone, but this must be balanced with treating our staff fairly and with respect.

Working together in partnership, we can continue to create a nurturing and respectful school community where everyone thrives.

Mrs Hutchinson              Mrs H. Cobbin                             Mrs K. Sharp

Chair of Governors        Chair of Staffing Committee      Staff Wellbeing Governor