Background
DCSF released (for consultation) a series of documents ‘The Pupil and Parents Guarantees’. In the context of the Think Tank the relevant Guarantee is:
Guarantee 8.6: Parents have information on their child’s behaviour, attendance, SEN, progress and attainment online in secondary schools by 2010 and in primary schools by 2012.
Subsequent to this guarantee the following paragraphs are relevant:
347. Head teachers should report on line to parents about their child’s behaviour, attendance, SEN, progress and attainment (in secondary schools by 2010 and in primary schools by 2012).
348. Head teachers should ensure that all information, reports and communications are written in simple, clear, plain English; and all statutory information is presented in such a way that it is timely and meaningful for parents and pupils. Head teachers should work with parents to ensure that the information reported meets parents’ needs.
349. Head teachers can provide their annual report on each pupil in an electronic format if parents agree to this arrangement. However, they must also give consideration to parents who may want to continue to receive hard copies of their children’s reports (for example those without ready access to a computer). Head teachers must therefore also ensure that arrangements are in place to provide hard copies of the report to parents who request them.
350. Information should detail the sub-levels of curricular progress achieved for each subject and include a narrative on this progress against both individual and national expectations. This enables both child and parent to understand where they are in their learning across the curriculum, where they are heading next, and how to get there. Head teachers should ensure that teaching staff use Assessing Pupils’ Progress (APP) or similar materials, as a basis for making judgements on sub levels.
351. Many schools find it helps parents to be able to access information on what their child is learning at school in that term or week by giving them access to materials that teachers have already prepared. Governing bodies should also provide information on the school and key activities online via school web site and alert systems (e.g. email, text messaging).
352. Head teachers must record all data in secure systems that meet data and information security standards and legal requirements. They must also ensure that access to systems and data is secure including processes for ensuring that parents and carers are entitled to access.
353. Head teachers should ensure that school staff use a range of methods to work in partnership with a child’s parents including face-to-face meetings, online communication, email, phone and text messaging. They must consider parents’ requests to receive or access information using different media including online, email, phone and text messaging.
354. Head teachers should develop clear shared expectations with parents and staff to ensure that the use of technology to support communication between schools and parents is helpful for parents and manageable for school staff.
In the context of the guarantee and the subsequent paragraphs the Think Tank focussed on a number of questions:
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