At Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School, we see the parent/school partnership as absolutely vital to every child’s success. We are proud to be a Parent Friendly School, where families are not just informed, but actively involved as genuine partners in their child’s education.

Research is clear that strong parental engagement can add the equivalent of four months’ additional progress over the course of a year.

We believe that the strongest partnerships are built on trust, support and shared responsibility. This means creating a welcoming culture, maintaining clear and timely two-way communication, and ensuring that every family feels valued, listened to and included.

We place great importance on communication with parents and carers to ensure that information sharing is timely, purposeful and has the greatest possible impact on a child’s learning, wellbeing and development throughout the year.

At Walberton & Binsted, this commitment is brought to life through everyday practice:

• We carefully consider and design our communication to be clear, accessible and genuinely helpful for families.
• Our annual and termly reports include “How I can help my child at home” sections, giving practical and realistic guidance.
• Senior leaders are approachable and available daily on the gate and playground, building relationships through regular informal contact.
• We prioritise strong transition into Early Years, working closely with families from the very start.
• We provide access to online home learning through IXL, supporting learning beyond the classroom.
• We invite parents into school for regular “learning look-ins” to share and celebrate children’s progress.
• We seek to work with families early, openly and constructively so that support can be put in place quickly when needed.

How do I know how well my child is doing?

We send home a written report three times a year. These are shorter update reports in the autumn and spring terms, followed by a more detailed end-of-year report in the summer term.

Reports explain how your child is progressing and whether they are working below, at, or above age-related expectations. Each report also includes a “How can I help my child at home?” section, giving practical ways you can support learning at home.

We also send home diagnostic progress reports from our STAR assessment system in reading and maths, so parents can see exactly where their child is being successful and which areas they need to continue developing.

When can I talk to the teacher?

We hold three parents’ evenings each year, including an optional appointment in the summer term.

In addition to this, teachers are available to speak with parents whenever needed. Quick conversations can often take place at drop-off or pick-up. For longer conversations, you can arrange a meeting directly with your child’s teacher.

Teachers’ email addresses are shared with parents at the beginning of the year, and parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly if they have a question, concern or would like to arrange a conversation.

We recognise that parents are busy, so we are happy to communicate in the way that works best for everyone, whether face to face, online or by telephone.

How can I see my child’s work?

Several times a year, we hold Learning Look-ins, which give parents the opportunity to come into classrooms, see their child’s work and achievements, and celebrate their learning.

If you would like to see your child’s work at another point in the year, please contact your child’s class teacher. They will be happy to arrange a convenient time for this.

What if I have a concern?