Parent WhatsApp Groups

To aid communication between parents and carers many of our classes or groups of parents have set up WhatsApp groups, which OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY of the school. We know these offer a great way to support and communicate with each other.

Class / parent group WhatsApp Groups

We understand that parents and carers find WhatsApp groups a really useful way of communicating with and supporting each other.  The messages in the WhatsApp groups come from parents in their personal capacity. The school does NOT post directly on any WhatsApp parent/carer groups.

At Lilleshall Primary School, we believe it is important to

• Work in close partnership with parents to support their child’s learning and development
• Create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for pupils, staff and parents / carers
• Model appropriate behaviour for our pupils at all times

To help us do this, we set clear expectations and guidelines on behaviour for all members of our community.

The following paragraph was written by some Lilleshall School parents who have suggested the below text is inserted in the description box of any new school WhatsApp parents groups: 

This WhatsApp group has been set up by parents for parents to help support each other with day-to-day reminders and school administration.  By joining this group, you agree to be mindful to keep posts relevant, respectful, polite and kind to everyone in the school community.  Any sensitive issues of concern are best discussed in person with the school or a fellow parent.

Guidelines

Parents should adhere to the following guidelines when using class WhatsApp groups:

• The group should never be used as a platform to air views/grievances regarding a teacher, child or parent in the class or school
• The group is not a political platform for airing opinions on current affairs
• The group should not be used for private conversations with anyone else using the group
• The group should be used keeping in mind mutual respect and cultural sensitivity between all its members

We expect parents, carers and other visitors to:

• Respect the ethos, vision and values of our school
• Work together with staff in the best interests of our pupils
• Treat all members of the school community with respect – setting good examples with behaviour and speech
• Seek peaceful solutions to all issues
• Approach the right member of school staff to help resolve any issues of concern

Please note, the school considers the following online activity inappropriate:

• Abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or other parents or any member of the schools community
• Displays of anger including swearing, or using offensive language
• Bringing the school into disrepute
• Posting aggressive, defamatory or libellous comments
• Emails circulated or sent directly with abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or any members of the schools community
• Using social media to publicly challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children
• Threatening behaviour, such as verbally intimidating staff, pupils or parents and/or using bad language

The school takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will to any reported incidents appropriately.

If you are concerned about inappropriate comments on a class WhatsApp group, in confidence, please contact our school office on A2062@taw.org.uk or 01952 388430.