Home-School Communication

Highfields College highly values clear, open communication between school and home. This partnership is vital for supporting student learning, building trust, and meeting pastoral needs. Communication is designed to be structured, including scheduled updates and as-needed contact.

Communication Channels and Frequency

The college communicates in a scheduled way and as-needed, that is where we feel there is something parents/carers need to know or likewise parents/carers feel there is something we need to know:

  • Scheduled: This covers initial meetings upon admission, updates on provision changes, and weekly positive news (via text, certificates, and the Headteacher’s Letter). Termly academic reports are provided, with options for follow-up meetings or open mornings. Year 11 students receive additional Mock Exam reports.
  • As-Needed:
    • For safeguarding concerns, staff immediately contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead who then contacts parents directly; the Deputy Headteacher handles higher-level concerns.
    • Parents can also request meetings for subject-specific or general issues (behaviour, friendships, attendance, punctuality etc) by contacting reception.
    • Where parents/carers feel they need additional ongoing support with home life and/or getting their child into school, they can contact our Access and Family Support service – more information about this can be found here.
  • Support Contacts: Parents have named contacts for specific queries via phone or email, and formal processes are in place for students with additional needs (e.g., EHCP Reviews, Team Around The Child/Family). The go-to people for parents/carers in the first instance in the child’s form tutor – please use the list here.

Timeframes and Guidelines

The college has clear guidelines and timeframes to manage communication effectively:

  • Response Times: Safeguarding queries are addressed the same day. Academic and behaviour queries target a 48-hour (2-day) response, with a maximum of 3 days (72 hours) if the query needs to be passed to a different staff member.
  • Electronic Communication: While email is common, parents are asked not to send emails or text messages outside of the hours of 8am to 4pm to respect staff well-being.
  • Personalised Plans: Recognizing that some parents may need more frequent contact, the college may agree upon a personalised communication plan if necessary, ensuring that exchanges remain useful and safe for both the family and the staff.

Please visit our Contact Page here for more information.