Keeping in Touch

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that clear, respectful and timely communication between home and school is an important part of supporting every child.

We want parents and carers to feel well informed about school life and confident about who to contact if they have a question, concern or something they need to share with us.

Our aim is simple: if something matters, please talk to us.

How We Communicate

Weekly Newsletter

Our Headteacher's Newsletter is published every Friday and provides a regular overview of school life.

It includes important dates, reminders, upcoming events, celebrations, achievements and other information that families need to know.

Newsletters are also available on the school website.

Compass

Compass is our main digital communication platform for parents and carers.

We use Compass to communicate important information, messages and reminders with families. Teachers may also use Compass to share information relating to their class.

Parents and carers should ensure that they are able to access Compass and that their contact details are kept up to date.

If you are experiencing difficulty accessing Compass, please contact the School Office.

School Website

Our website provides a central source of information about Manuden Primary School, including:

• term dates and the school day;
• curriculum information;
• policies and statutory information;
• safeguarding and SEND information;
• wraparound care and clubs;
• admissions; and
• newsletters and school updates.

We are continually reviewing and updating the website to ensure that information remains accurate and useful to families.

Who Should I Contact?

We encourage parents and carers to contact the person best placed to help.

Your Child's Class Teacher

For questions about your child's:

• learning or progress;
• homework;
• friendships or day-to-day wellbeing;
• classroom routines; or
• anything that has happened during the school day,

the class teacher should normally be your first point of contact.

Teachers will always try to help, but the beginning and end of the school day can be particularly busy. Where a longer conversation is required, please arrange an appointment so that appropriate time can be given to the matter.

School Office

Please contact the School Office for matters including:

• attendance and absence;
• appointments;
• forms and administrative enquiries;
• payments;
• wraparound care;
• changes to contact or medical information; and
• general school enquiries.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370

Headteacher

If a matter cannot be resolved at class or School Office level, or if it relates specifically to school leadership, please contact:

Phil Molyneux – Headteacher

The School Office can arrange a meeting or ensure that your message is passed on.

Raising a Concern

We want parents and carers to raise concerns with us early and directly so that we have the opportunity to understand what has happened and work towards a resolution.

In most cases, speaking to the class teacher or relevant member of staff is the quickest and most effective way to resolve a concern.

If the matter remains unresolved, it can then be raised with the Headteacher.

Our formal arrangements for dealing with complaints are set out on our Concerns & Complaints page and in our Complaints Policy.

Parent WhatsApp Groups and Social Media

We recognise that parent-run WhatsApp groups and other social media channels can be useful for families to remind one another about dates, events and everyday school matters.

These groups are independent of Manuden Primary School and are not monitored by school staff.

Information shared through unofficial groups may not always be accurate or complete. If you need clarification about something relating to school, please check Compass, the school website or contact us directly.

Concerns about individual children, members of staff or school decisions should always be raised directly with the school rather than through parent social media groups.

Communication Expectations

We are committed to communicating with families in a way that is professional, respectful and constructive, and we ask parents and carers to communicate with school staff in the same way.

Some enquiries can be answered quickly, while others may require staff to gather information or speak with colleagues before responding. We will always seek to respond within a reasonable timeframe.

During teaching time, staff's first responsibility is to the children in their care, so an immediate response to messages will not always be possible.

Working Together

Positive relationships between home and school make a real difference to children.

By communicating openly, listening to one another and addressing questions or concerns promptly, we can work together to provide the best possible experience for every child at Manuden.

Growing Hearts • Growing Minds • Growing Dreams