Parent/Carer Forum

What is the Parent/Carer 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 Margaret Wix Primary School is welcome to join any parent forum meeting.  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 half 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 are on opportunity for an open discussion.  It is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.

How can I raise an issue?

Communicate it with your class representative or attend the meeting

Please see the link representatives for each class:

Yr 6 - Miss Lloyd (Sofia and Max's Mum)

Yr 5 - Miss Widdicks (Mya's Mum) and Mrs Amy Duglan (Sofia's Mum)

Yr 4 - Mrs Shah (Jay's Mum)

Yr 3 - Mrs Lawrance (Eli's Mum)

Yr 2 - Mrs Wynne (James' Mum)

Yr 1 - Ms Ziyfnge (Inaya's Mum)

EYFS - Mrs Wells (Isabelle's Mum) + vacancy

A meeting was help on Thursday 2nd February 2023

The question had been put to the parents prior to the meeting: 

What is it like to be a child at Margaret Wix Primary School? 

The following responses were received:

“We love the school and love the way it is managed.”

“The family feeling is very present, and everybody is very helpful.”

“I have really not a bad word about the school. Mrs Gibbs is fantastic and really cares about the children.”

“Welcoming, friendly parents and staff.”

"I think it’s entirely good as we do learning and become smart" (child comment)

“I think xxxx feels quite empowered to be himself, able to make mistakes and accepted for who he is. I think he feels safe too.”

“All I can say is that it gives the children more positive attitudes toward school and homework like for example, reading stories and wordless book sent home for them to share with parents."

"I find my child more motivated to learn and because of what the school and teachers are doing like engaging parents in school activities, which is vital for their learning journey."

"The EYFS and Reception team are all amazing in teaching the children!”

"Family orientated."

"Everyone feels comfortable."

"Feel welcomed."

"Feels like we are meant to be here."

Other areas were discussed:

Phone lines are tricky to use when trying to contact the school hands free - school to investigate

It was recognised that information meetings were sometimes tricky to attend due to other commitments - school to look at recording meetings so they could be accessed at alternative times. 

A meeting was held on Tuesday 22nd November 2022.

Discussions began around parental engagement and promises were made to:

ensure parent/carers are given 4-6 weeks' notice before school events

that there is a helpful explanation to exactly what the events are

that the events are worded carefully to ensure all families feel happy to attend

a reminder to parents/carers about where they can look at dates: the weekly blog, the recent letters page, the school calendar on the website and the Facebook page

Parents and carers were grateful for all the opportunities that the school gives them to take part in school life. One parent commented that she spoke to many family members and friends who are in education and they were amazed by the opportunities that the children at Margaret Wix are given and how the parents are encouraged to be involved.

In other comments, there were some concerns around litter in some areas of the school. It was agreed that Mrs Gibbs would communicate this with Mr Coker - our new site manager. People were very positive about Mr Coker and his friendly disposition. One parent commented that there may be mess from Scout around the grounds. This was felt unlikely and would be much more likely to be the countless foxes that frequent the Margaret Wix grounds. Vigilance would remain though.

Mrs Gibbs thanked everyone for their attendance at the meeting and the open and honest dialogue, reiterating our absolute intention to get things right as much as possible. 

A meeting was held on Monday 10th October 2022.

The following points were raised:

A possible coffee morning for the Year 3/4 parents in order to get to know each other better.

Very positive feedback regarding the Year 3/4 mix - children and parents are happy.

Children and parents in Year 2 are very happy with Mrs Tott as a new teacher to the school. Children are loving their learning and parents are feeling supported by her and also Miss Lennard, who is proactive in helping both children and parents.

Quidditch Day was amazing.

Mrs Wynne agreed that she would talk to other parents/carers in order to try to fill the vacancies. 

All parents at the meeting agreed that parents and carers are happy with the school and no areas for development had been shared.