Minutes of Parent Forum Meeting – 19th June 2014
Present: Deb Pridmore, Becky Collier, Emma Rowlands, Gemma Phelps and Michael Hawkins. Ann Stone and Ann
Gouldney joined the meeting to discuss specific points as outlined below.
Apologies: Sarah Blair, Joanne Stephens, Leesa Sheppey, Sandra Pao, Lisa Burke, Liz Ramsay, Rachel Sherman and
Emma Hodder
Minutes of last meeting – agreed as correct by those present.
Matters arising:
Road parking update –the double yellow lines and lights on St Thomas Street are now done. SCC will submit
another traffic order in October. If the Parent Forum, School or residents feel there is more traffic calming measures
needed speak to Jeff Bunting (Traffic officer at SCC in charge of Mendip). Emma Rowlands is going to speak to him
about the corner of College Road.
SEN – Ann Stone joined the meeting to discuss the changes happening to SEN. Ann explained that The Childrens Bill
that went through Parliament in April means that Schools have to display on their website their Code of Practice
relating to SEN. To enable parents to see what individual schools can offer SEN children. Ann asked the group to
consider three Code of Practice templates and say which they felt was easiest to read and most user friendly. Ann
left the meeting.
Prepayment Scheme – Ann Gouldney joined the meeting. At the last PF meeting when discussing budgeting for trips,
an idea was raised to have some sort of “prepayment” scheme, enabling parents to pay money in to Tucasi at the
beginning of a term or year. Ann has trialled a scheme and has reached the conclusion that it doesn’t work. It adds
another level of admin, in terms of coding and lengthy journal transactions, as well as issues that could be raised by
parents if money held in Tucasi is used for things they are not happy with, or then having to raise permission slips on
prepaid money. It just wouldn’t work. The Forum thanked Ann for looking into this.
A discussion then followed regarding the number of trips; the cost of trips; “trip fatigue” in the playground. Michael
and Ann assured the Forum that every trip is run at the very lowest cost possible. Every trip is evaluated to ensure
value for money and that benefits the children will gain from the trip. Michael and Ann also stressed the need for
payments and permission slips to be returned by the closing date. There have been several incidents recently where
parents have missed deadlines and have then become very upset as the children are unable to go on the trip. The
school wants as many children as possible to go on trips, but must work to deadlines. Recently the Y5/6 trip to Exeter
Airport was cancelled due to lack of support.
Scooter Racks – at the last meeting scooter racks were requested. Ann showed the group a brochure with some that
seem suitable to ask what they thought. The group felt they looked good, but questioned whether scooters could be
locked to them. Ann was going to investigate. The Forum thanked Ann for her time. Ann Gouldney then left the
meeting.
Election of Chair – Deb stepped down as Chair. No-one has come forward to take on the whole role of Chair, but
three people have said they are willing to take a meeting each next year.
Tuesday 7th October – Becky Collier
Tuesday 27th January – Sarah Blair
Tuesday 28th April – Rachel Sherman.
There is also a need to recruit new parents or carers to the PF in September.
Open Afternoon – parents felt this worked well last year, it gave parents the opportunity to see their child’s new
classroom and meet their teacher. Michael agreed and will action.
Lunchtime playkit – the need for kit for lunchtime play has been discussed at previous PF and School Council
meetings. The plea to parents for kit didn’t work. Michael has agreed a small budget for kit. The School Council will
be tasked with deciding the type of kit required and finding a solution to keep any kit purchased in as good a
condition as possible for as long as possible.
Another suggestion was made to hold lunchtime clubs – this is a possibility, but would rely on outside help to run the
clubs as teachers need a break at lunchtime.
There is a potential plan to train lunchtime supervisors so they are able to offer extra play activity guidance.
Stoberry Times - latest edition is on the way
KS2 Toilets – proposals for updating the toilets are being put to the next Governors meeting.
Other items:
Children being allowed into school earlier when it’s raining – within reason this will happen. Parents and pupils must
remember that they should not be on site before 8.40
Photos of teachers and staff on the website – like the board in Reception. Michael will try and get this done.
“Class dogo” software – this allows parents to send quick emails to class teachers. Michael is not keen on using
emails, he would rather parents come in and speak to teachers about concerns and issues.
Donate IT – in previous meetings Emma had suggested Donate IT would take old computers and give the school
some money. Unfortunately the computers the school were using belonged to the Blue School, so they have gone
there rather than to Donate IT
Cross Country Races – there has been a request from parents for the school to enter teams. Michael pointed out that
it may not be possible for schools to be involved in all activities. Michael to look into this.
Pupil Tracker – the current levels and sub levels (eg 1a, 2b, 3c) are being disbanded by the Government. Logins and
passwords for the school tracker system won’t be given to parents until there is certainty on what system will be
used and can be explained to parents before being given access to their child’s progress online.
Date of next meeting – Tuesday 7th October 2014 2pm in the library. Becky Collier to Chair.