Working Together: Communication Between Home and School

At Dedworth Middle School, we are committed to building strong, positive relationships with all our families. We know that when home and school work together, children benefit — not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

This letter is to outline how we can best support each other through effective, respectful communication, and to make our expectations clear for how we work with parents and carers throughout the year.

How We Communicate with You

You can expect to hear from us in a variety of ways, including:

• Regular newsletters and updates
• Parent-teacher meetings and academic reports
• Phone calls regarding your child’s wellbeing or behaviour
• Emails from teaching or pastoral staff

We will always aim to communicate with clarity, kindness, and professionalism — and we ask the same in return.

Getting in Touch with Staff

If you have a question or concern, please contact your child’s form tutor or the school office in the first instance. They will respond or ensure your message reaches the appropriate member of staff. We aim to respond to all communication within two working days.

Please note that our staff are often teaching during the day and may not be able to reply immediately. Urgent matters should always go through the school office.

All meetings with staff must be pre-arranged through the school office. We cannot accommodate unannounced or drop-in meetings, as staff have full teaching commitments and responsibilities throughout the day. In situations that are believed to be emergencies, it is the school’s responsibility to assess the urgency and respond accordingly.

We also kindly ask that families avoid contacting the school repeatedly about the same issue within a short timeframe or placing unreasonable demands on staff for immediate responses. Persistent or excessive contact on unrealistic timelines places undue pressure on staff and can disrupt the smooth running of the school. We will always respond within the expected timeframe and appreciate your understanding and patience.

Respectful Communication

Our staff are here to support your child and to work in partnership with you. We understand that sometimes issues can be frustrating, and we will always do our best to resolve them with care and fairness. However, it is essential that all communication — whether face-to-face, by phone, email, or on social media — remains respectful. Abusive, aggressive, or threatening behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously. In such cases, the school will take appropriate action in line with our policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our team, which may include involving the police and/or other external agencies.

We believe that by setting clear expectations and working respectfully together, we can create a supportive environment where every child thrives.

Thank you for your ongoing support.