Important notice re parental responsibility.

I wish to thank the vast majority of parents who support the school and its pupils by ensuring that they set a good model through their own conduct and expectations whilst expecting their children to behave likewise when under their supervision.  Working in partnership where both school and parents model an expectation greatly increases the success of a child’s experience at school.

However, a minority of parents are reminded that experiencing confrontation between adults has a very negative, be it not immediately visible, impact on children.  Not only does witnessing confrontation have a detrimental impact on a child’s wellbeing, it also presents an unacceptable model for children to follow.

Time and time again, I am told that a child would ‘not behave in a particular manner’, only later to witness the parent of the child modelling that same behaviour when in conflict with another adult.  Similarly,  it is identified that a small number of parents on the school playground are not keeping check on their own child’s conduct (usually before the start of the school day) and this can lead to disagreement between adults.

With this in mind, I ask that parents strongly consider how they speak to one another ,and set an example of understanding, being open to the views of others and displaying respectful language (verbal or body).  In addition I remind parents of their duty to ensure that they keep a  check their child’s behaviour when under their supervision.

Inappropriate language.

Whilst I understand that the benchmark for acceptable language varies across families and communities, I re iterate that swearing in any form will not be tolerated by the school and this includes parents.

In particular I, in the strongest of terms, will not accept or tolerate language that may be deemed racist, homophobic or in any other way targeted at individual groups.  Whilst this is very rare to the point of non-existence amongst Ashgate Primary School children, I do occasionally hear ‘suggestion’ that parents and other visiting adults are not as mindful of the language they use or the impact this has on others.

Use of language that could be viewed as offensive because of someone’s race, sexuality, disability or transgender status can be deemed an assault under law and will, if found to be likely to have occured, reported to the police by the victim or school.