PARENTS and staff have been recognised nationally for their efforts after working together tirelessly to improve standards at school.
Longfield School, Darlington, has been awarded the coveted SSAT Parental Engagement gold standard for involving parents in children’s education.
By developing close links between the school and the community standards of education and behaviour have seen a marked improvement at Longfield.
Regular parental engagement methods include:
• Postcards, letters, newsletters, email, website and parent-mail
• Parental forums and surveys
• Password protected staff, parent and student portal allowing home access to a virtual learning platform, behavioural and attendance data
• Transition events and open evenings
• Option guidance and FE advice
• Subject consultations and mentoring events
• Individual telephone, email and text contact
• Highly developed pastoral and learning support
• A large and varied programme of community sport, health and wellbeing events which open school facilities to the public
• Adult education courses
• A fully manned reception with professional and personable staff
• Systems to gather and act upon parents’ views and feedback.
The school’s success in involving parents was recognised by Ofsted inspectors as outstanding with efforts continuing to develop relations for the benefit of all 900 students.
Systems are complemented by an ‘open door’ culture where parents are encouraged to make contact over any issues or concerns.
Head teacher Susan Johnson said: “On the one hand we believe that parental engagement leads to higher academic performance, improved attendance and sets behavioural standards for school and home-life.
“It is also crucial to the successful development of a sense of community, where parents feel directly involved in their children’s education and an overarching feeling of safety and happiness.”
Mrs Johnson said she was delighted their efforts had been recognised nationally as this vindicated the extensive efforts made by staff, governors, parents and students.
Mrs Johnson added: “Longfield has built a reputation for strong academic achievement and is proud of its extensive curriculum provision, strong pastoral care and excellent behaviour.
“Our aim is simple and everyone connected with Longfield shares the same vision, the same goal, to ensure we create a school which offers our students the very best opportunities in life.”