We send you our school newsletter every week. We hold regular parents’ evenings where you can discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. We also conduct surveys of opinion amongst the parents to see what you are thinking about various issues and hold ‘Parent Voice Events’ where parents are invited in to the school to meet with Governors and the Head to discuss issues around a theme chosen by them. A report and action plan is then drawn up to support the school in responding to parent feedback. When your child joins Gillespie, we ask you and your child to join us in signing a Home–School Agreement. This is the basis of the partnership between you, your child and the school. It states clearly the part we would like you to play in your child’s education, and what you can expect from the school.

At the beginning of the year, class teachers invite parents for a meet the teacher evening with their class teacher. This is an opportunity for them to introduce themselves and discuss the year ahead. They also send a letter home at the start of each term with information about what your child will be learning.

Our Governing Body and PTA Friends of Gillespie communicate through our newsletter. Beyond these formal arrangements, the Head Teacher and staff are always available to discuss any concerns you may have.

We are increasing the range of information we put on our website for parents including newsletters, school policies, school curriculum and class information etc.

We welcome your involvement in many of the school’s activities, whether on a regular or occasional basis. This might include listening to children read, helping out in art classes, joining in the experiments during Science Week, or accompanying classes on educational visits.

We hold a range of events to engage parents in understanding how pupils learn at school. These include ‘Bring a Parent to School’, an opportunity for parents to visit a class for part of the day and learn with their own children. We regularly provide workshops and talks for parents around a range of issues from reading and maths to behaviour and issues raised by parents.