At Foster’s Primary School we value the importance of school community and ensuring that as a school we work together to improve the provision that we offer. Therefore, this year I would like to start a Foster’s Parent Forum to further enhance the communication between home and school.

         What is the Parent Forum?

          The Parent Forum is a partnership between parents and the school. It is a valuable way   

          to share ideas, views, concerns and make suggestions for improvement. 

           The aims of the Parent Forum will be to:

· work together to improve the education provided for our children

· share information, knowledge and skills

· meet in a mutually supportive environment

· further improve communications between parents/carers and staff/governors

The parent forum does not have any statutory responsibilities, duties or powers in the school.

Who can be part of the parent forum?

Any parent/carer of children currently at Foster’s Primary School are welcome to join the parent forum.  The forum will be chaired by Mr Hemley.  At times other members of the school community will also attend the meetings depending on the agenda items and what the school feels they would like to share with the parents, such as new initiatives.

Why should I be part of the parent forum?

It gives you, the parent, an opportunity to get together on a regular basis with other parents to have your say on what the school is doing well, and suggest ideas of how things could be improved.

How often will the Parent Forum meet?

Every term for about an hour.  Each term the Parent Forum meeting will be held at different times to try to enable as many different parents to attend who wish to.

What will be discussed at the meetings?

Anything related to improving the school and further developing the partnership between the school and parents.The meetings will be informal and an opportunity for an open discussion. Minutes of the meetings will be taken and these will be accessible on the school's website. Please be aware that it is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.

How can I raise an issue?

Each year group will be nominated a specific representative. These will be chosen at random from the parents who demonstrate an interest in becoming part of the forum. Anything that needs to be raised can therefore be communicated either through your year group representative or by emailing the school office with the title ‘School Forum’ and this will be passed onto Mr Hemley to be raised at the following meeting.

How can I show my interest in joining the forum?

Please send an email to the school office (admin@fosters.bexley.sch.uk) with the title ‘school forum interest’. Please can you provide your name, your child’s name, year group and a contact email address and we will get back to you.