Communication Between Home and School
Communication Channels Between Home and School
We ask that parents regularly monitor all the following communication channels to ensure they do not miss important information or announcements that may affect their child. We recognise that some families may require reasonable adjustments, and we are happy to support this where needed.
Please note that we are a paperless school; however, printed copies of documents can be requested by contacting the School Office. If you require information in an alternative format or need reasonable adjustments, please contact the School Office and we will be happy to support you.
Monthly Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter is sent to parents by email on the last Friday of each month (or term). It is our main way of sharing school news, notices and reminders of upcoming events, along with occasional updates from class teachers, governors and Friends of Thames Ditton Infant School.
Scopay
Where required, the school will use email and Scopay messaging to share notifications and more urgent updates.
School Website
www.thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk
The school website contains key information about the school, including:
- Policies and full Governing Body minutes
- Staff and curriculum information
- Term dates and school calendar
- School clubs and academic performance information
School Calendar
The school calendar provides details of whole-school and class-based events for the half-term ahead. The calendar is available on the school website.
Letters
Occasionally, letters will be sent to parents. These will be shared electronically via Scopay.
Telephone and/or Text Messages
Telephone calls or text messages are used for urgent matters where a quick response is required or where parents need to be informed personally.
Reading Records
Each child has a reading diary which is sent home and should be brought to school every day in their book bag. This is used to record reading completed at home and enables teachers to monitor progress.
Parents may add comments for the class teacher if they wish. Teachers review reading diaries weekly and provide written feedback fortnightly, outlining progress and next steps.
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings are held face-to-face in the autumn and spring terms. We ask that at least one parent attends, as these meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and ask questions.
Parents of children with Special Educational Needs or additional needs may also request an additional meeting with the SENDCo if they wish.
Ad-hoc meetings with the class teacher can be arranged at any point during the school year. Our preference is always to meet face-to-face; however, virtual meetings, phone calls or email exchanges can be arranged to ensure fair access for all parents.
Annual Teacher Report
Each child receives an annual written report completed by the class teacher, with contributions from the child, summarising their learning journey and progress.
Contacting the School – Who to Contact
School Office
Reporting Absence
Please ensure that any pupil absence is reported to the school office by 8.30am on the day of absence. If the office has not been informed, the school will contact parents/carers in the first instance. If we are unable to make contact, we will continue down the pupil’s emergency contact list to ensure their safety.
Please also contact the School Office at office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk for any questions or issues not directly related to your child’s learning or progress. This includes queries about uniform, lunches, clubs, payments, trips, classes and school events.
Teaching Staff
In the first instance, any concerns regarding your child should be raised with their class teacher.
When requesting a meeting, please either email the class email address or speak directly to the teacher. It is helpful to include a brief explanation of the reason for the meeting and your availability. We will endeavour to meet with parents within one week of a request. Due to teaching commitments, meetings are usually offered outside of the school day.
Senior Leadership Team
If you feel that an issue has not been resolved satisfactorily, it may be referred to a member of the Senior Leadership Team via office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk.
Headteacher
In most cases, concerns should be addressed through your child’s class teacher and year leader first. Requests for an appointment with the Headteacher should be made by emailing office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk.
Safeguarding concerns
Safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to DSL@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk. Safeguarding concerns can be raised at any time and should not be delayed.
The Governing Board
The Governing Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and vision of the school, overseeing financial management and holding the Headteacher to account. Governors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school.
TDIS Contact details
What is your query about? |
Who to contact |
How to contact |
|
Absence or lateness |
School Office |
Telephone 020 83985842 or email office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk By 8.30am on the day of absence |
|
Pick-up arrangements (planned) |
School Office |
|
|
Pick-up arrangements (late change or emergency) |
School Office |
Telephone - 020 83985842 |
|
Medication |
School Office |
|
|
Non-urgent general enquiries: Uniform, lunches, milk, clubs, payments, trips or events |
School Office |
|
|
Urgent matters |
School Office |
Telephone - 020 8398 5842 |
|
Your child’s learning, progress or wellbeing |
Class Teacher |
Speak in person or email the class email address Squirrels Class: squirrels@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Hedgehogs Class: hedgehogs@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Hares Class: hares@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Moles Class: moles@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Otters Class: otters@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Foxes Class: foxes@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk Deer Class: deer@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk |
|
Requesting a meeting with the class teacher |
Class Teacher |
Email (as above) or verbal request to the teacher |
|
Concern not resolved after speaking to the teacher |
Senior Leadership Team |
Email via School Office - office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk |
|
Safeguarding concerns |
Safeguarding Team |
|
|
Requesting an appointment with the Headteacher |
School Office |
Email via School Office - office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk |
|
SEND/Inclusion |
Mrs Dennemont |
Email via School Office - office@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk |
|
Policies, calendar, term dates, forms and key information |
School |
School website - www.thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk |
|
Acorns enquiries (non-urgent) |
Acorns Team |
|
|
Acorns enquiries (urgent) |
Acorns Team |
Telephone - 07783 339 267 |
Commitment to Staff Workload and Wellbeing
In line with promoting staff wellbeing and supporting a healthy work–life balance, staff will respond to communication within two working days and only during their working hours. Parents are politely asked not to chase responses within 48 hours or seek replies from other members of staff during this time. Parents should not expect responses outside of working hours, at weekends or during school holidays.
School Office Opening Hours
The School Office is open from 8.30am to 4.00pm.