Class representative
We are looking to set up a school-wide parent/class representative system.
What is it?
The class representative is a volunteer parent or carer who represents the other parents/carers in their child’s class. The key role is to facilitate the transfer of information about things such as school diary dates and events. The role also involves fielding questions on any matters that affect the class. The class representative can also provide feedback to the school, for example, feedback on the transition from Reception to Year 1 resulted in a transition leaflet and dedicated meeting for parents/carers of Reception children moving up into Year 1.
The class representative acts as a single point of information, so that teachers or teaching assistants don’t get asked the same question multiple times.
The class representative does not get involved in an individual child’s education or behaviour. They don’t replace parent/carer and school staff interactions – the role is intended to smooth the process for all.
How does it work?
You would meet with your child’s class teacher for around 20-30 minutes at the beginning of (or sooner if possible) each half term. The teacher goes through their planner and you note everything parents need to know. This could include school trips, invitations for parents to attend events in school (in class, nativity, sports days, reading opportunities, etc), information on charity dress down days, requests for materials needed for projects or any other relevant information. You will also keep in touch with the PTA on any events they are running. You then write a letter to all parents in the class with all this information. It is hoped this will give parents an opportunity to take time off from work or plan their diaries in advance. This letter is then sent to all parents/carers via SeeSaw.
Who would be a good class rep?
You need to be keen, have good communication skills, be fairly organised and sociable.
What else do I need to do?
You can also set up a WhatsApp group (this was the most universal and easy to use method of staying in touch). Working with the class teacher, you will get as many parents involved as possible. Sign-up is completely optional and not all parents will want to join (the trial class had around 90% of the class in their group). You can post the half-termly letter, as well as reminders of things happening in the week ahead. Everyone uses it to ask questions, pass on used uniform, check facts on clubs etc. You will monitor the group and if there are lots of questions about a certain subject, for example, what children should wear on a school trip, then you check with the teacher and post it on the group. This can quickly answer queries, address concerns and will save the teacher/TAs being asked the same question multiple times.
It really doesn’t take up much time and once you’ve set up your WhatsApp group it’s easy to manage. You don’t have to do everything – many other parents will answer questions in the group or volunteer to do a class whip round. It’s so rewarding when parents and carers are able to attend school events and get involved because they’ve had sufficient notice to plan and a reminder.
What other parents say…
“I’ve felt less stressed about all the school admin… it takes the pressure off the teacher not having to remind everyone all the time.”
“We get far more notice of things… it makes it easier for parents to plan in advance. It’s so helpful to have all the information you need in one place.”
“Reminders of things coming up have been so useful…I might have bothered the teacher much more but got the information via the class rep instead.”
What the teacher says…
“A parent representative is a helpful way of ensuring consistent messages are shared amongst the parents and carers of the class. As a teacher it is reassuring knowing that everyone involved in the class is well informed. It is also a great way for feedback to be heard and acted upon.”
If you would be interested in being a class representative, please complete this form.
