7 July 2005

Dear Parents/Carers,

RE: PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE

We received over 200 completed Parents Questionnaires. At over 51%, this is an excellent response rate. Many thanks for all your positive comments about the school. They really have encouraged us all and we are very grateful for all the support you give us. Some issues I have addressed to individual parents, others I have tried to cover in this letter.

Please also find attached a breakdown of the questionnaire results.

Availability of information: In particular Foundation Stage and Early KS1 parents

We are trying to improve this and Richard Young is looking at the possibility of having part of an afternoon each week for parents to visit and chat through issues and coming events. Also with the introduction of the new website we are hoping we can have more up to date and current information there so this will be of help to working parents.

Use of Email: Enquiries were made about the use of email.

Again we are quite happy to take email messages and will reply by email. Please email crodgers@cage-green.kent.sch.uk .

Reading and reading records: Lack of information

I have discussed this with Richard Young and Theresa McGuire who will try and ensure you have more information. We use a range of reading schemes and books to ensure all learners are catered for.

Bullying: Concerns about bullying have been very few but 164 parents thought the behaviour in the school was good, although a few didn’t know.

We can assure you that bullying and poor behaviour is constantly under review and we welcome parents to share any concerns you may have.

Lunchtime concerns: Children not eating all their packed lunch.

Children’s consumption of packed lunches are monitored carefully and we do encourage children to eat as much as they can because of their need for energy in the afternoon but there is only so much we can do. We cannot force children to eat if they don’t want to.

Concerns with security: Primarily with the gate in Key Stage One Playground

Unfortunately the gate into the infant playground has to be open for Ridge View children returning from Hugh Christie but it is kept locked during the Lunch playtime. There has, however, been very little use of that gate by the public recently and visitors nearly always go down the front driveway to the entrance.

Toilets: Concerns raised about smell and conditions

I understand the concern about the toilets and children have voiced their feelings through the School Council. We have renovations planned for the toilets as soon as possible.