Communication

At The Grove Junior School, we recognise the importance of building successful working relationships with our families. A vital part of this is maintaining clear communication between school and home in a variety of ways.

Parents/carers and staff are encouraged to talk openly and honestly in an “open-door” environment throughout the year.

Meet the Teacher evenings happen early in September.
Parent-teacher consultations happen in November and March.
Each class has its own email address.
After-school “open classrooms” are planned each term.
Meetings can be arranged for conversations at any time during the year.
Senior leaders are available on the playground in the mornings.

We encourage parents/carers to help with reading, art, sport, cooking and other extra-curricular activities. Many of these activities we could not do without the extra support. Parent volunteers who help in school are asked to complete the online DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) process. For more information please contact the school office. Opportunities to volunteer include:

Year 4 parent/carer volunteers help with walking to swimming every Thursday throughout the year
One to one reading with parent/carer volunteers takes place every day between 9am and 9:30
History-themed topic days (e.g. Egyptian Day in Year 3) always need extra help with arts and crafts
Transporting children to extra-curricular activities such as tag-rugby tournaments
We value parents’ feedback on many topics.
Parent/carer coffee mornings are held in the Spring Term for each year group.
Parents/carers of children with SEND are invited for a coffee morning with the Inclusion Manager each term.
Parents/carers are invited to various focus groups for specific feedback (e.g. new website development).

Please see the table below for more information on who to approach with a query and how to get in touch with them.

Your Query

Who you need to talk to

How to get in touch

Anything to do with your individual child i.e. their progress, behaviour or something that has happened in school or on the playground. Any concerns regarding child welfare or family circumstances.

Your child’s Class Teacher is always the first port of call for any of these queries; they may then involve the Deputy Head or Headteacher if necessary.

Teachers are at their classroom doors before and after school if you need a quick word with them. For a more in-depth discussion, send an email to arrange an appointment.

Messages about medical appointments and childcare arrangements including changes in pick up. Separate email will be sent at the beginning of year explaining pick up arrangements.

Your child’s Class Teacher and the School Office.

Please write a short note and hand to the teacher or e-mail

admin@grovejm.herts.sch.uk

Anything to do with your child’s additional learning needs such as Special Educational Needs (SEN), Gifted and Talented (G&T) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) or any other concerns you may have.

Inclusion Co-ordinator (INCO):

Mrs Begum

Make an appointment via the school office on admin@grovejm.herts.sch.uk and your email will be forwarded, or write a note to Mrs Begum directly. Mrs Begum works Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Any queries with administration, for example Trips, Music, School Meals payments, parent volunteers etc.

Any financial queries such as difficulty with payments, free school meals etc.

School Office:

Mrs Butler

Come into the office, e-mail admin@grovejm.herts.sch.uk or call 01582 760031.

Any queries with School dinners options, Absence etc.

Any general queries

School Office:

Mrs Ryan

Mrs Harris

admin@grovejm.herts.sch.uk

Anything to do with the whole school or to give feedback or make suggestions to the school.

If you have questions about attendance or request a leave of absence

Headteacher:

Miss Urquhart

Deputy Headteacher:

Miss Bunce

Please call the school office or e-mail admin@grovejm.herts.sch.uk to arrange a meeting with the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

To contact the Chair of Governors please e-mail chair@grovejm.herts.sch.uk.

Any queries about fundraising events and to volunteer to help.

Chair of the PTA:

Helen Kierney

e-mail

info@pta-groveschools.org.uk

Grove Schools PTA (Harpenden) FB page