At Parochial we feel strongly that education requires a strong and trusting partnership between home and school. We are conscious of the privilege we hold in being chosen as your child’s school and know that each day you hand over one of the most precious people in your life into our care. Our staff work hard to ensure that your child receives a quality of education that we can be proud of and which you can put your faith in.
Communication is very important in this partnership. Each year we will give you a formal opportunity to tell us how you feel about our school (the questionnaire) but we encourage you to come and talk to us about any and all concerns or questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to get in touch whenever you need us.
Communication is very important in this partnership. Each year we will give you a formal opportunity to tell us how you feel about our school (the questionnaire) but we encourage you to come and talk to us about any and all concerns or questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to get in touch whenever you need us.
Ofsted Parent View
The schools’ inspection board Ofsted have created an online opportunity for parents to tell them about their child’s school. The link for this can be found here.
Parent Questionnaire
Below you can find the responses to our most recent parent questionnaire (July 2021). We were so pleased to have so many responses (almost a third of our families returned their questionnaire) and also by how very positive the outcome was. Of course, we can always do more and below you will find the actions we are taking to address any issues.
Statement:
My child is taught well
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We had a ‘not applicable’ tick but no disagreement with this statement. We are very proud of this positive response but will continue to strive for improvement. The teaching and learning at Parochial is continously reflected on, evaluated and adapted in the light of best practice.
Statement:
I know what my child is learning or where I could find this out
Your response:
94.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Two respondents felt that they didn’t know where to look for this information and one felt that it was out of date. Our curriculum information has been updated last September and again in June in light of some changes we have made ready for September 2021. In order to make it easier for parents to find, we have included an overview of learning on each class page on our website, with a link to the curriculum page.
Statement:
My child is appropriately challenged in school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most parents felt that challenge was good and that the levels of learning that children can access are working well. However, two parents felt that their child needed to be challenged more. At Parochial we work hard to ensure that challenge is balanced alongside retention but we hope to always provide learning that is engaging. We will ensure that this feedback is shared and challenge is further evaluated in our monitoring.
Statement:
A good range of subjects are taught in school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Comments in this section were very positive though it was noted that outdoor space could be used more often. We agree and have made some changes to our outdoor classroom to make it more useable during wet weather months.
Statement:
Events. trips and visitors are relevant to my child’s learning
Your response:
91.4% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Parents noted that COVID has had a huge impact on trips etc but recognised and appreciated that we have continued to bring in engaging and memorable visitors and access virtual visits and events.
Statement:
My child’s remote learning experience was age-appropriate and manageable
Your response:
89.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
A lot of you felt that managing home learning whilst trying to work yourself was very difficult – a sentiment we entirely appreciate. Some respondents also felt that too much work was set and that the pace was too challenging. During the second lockdown (Jan – March 2021) we felt that our remote learning approach was adapted to meet the needs of most families, providing printed work packs for all, recording sessions so that no-one missed out on access, and providing a good programme of supplementary live sessions. We knew that this would not work perfectly for everyone, but hoped that it would provide a best fit model for our families. We will take on board your comments and adapt our remote learning plan in order to best support those who need to work from home in the future.
Statement:
The school gives me opportunities to find out how my child is doing
Your response:
93.1% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Two parents did not feel that the phone call instead of a parents’ evening had worked well as a means of communicating progress. Some of you who agreed felt that more could be done. We have taken your comments on board and will sort out a way for you to receive more information about your child’s progress throughout the year.
Statement:
My child is making good progress at this school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
One parent felt that they had not had feedback other than parents evening. Another parent who agreed felt that more information could be given. In pre-covid times we were able to give more specific data information and levels, but due to remote learning, we have instead assessed on the children’s readiness for their next step (ready to progress). We anticipate a more normal year this year and have taken on board your comments about progress and attainment updates between parents evenings.
Statement:
My child feels safe at school
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
It was lovely to see this and to read your responses. Going forward, we are going to do more to ensure that all staff, including lunch supervisors and supply teachers, feel confident to apply the principles and procedures from our behaviour policy.
Statement:
The school has good rules that are used fairly
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Some of you who agreed told us that you weren’t sure what our rules were. We have made sure that our Good Behaviour Policy (see Policies) is easy to find. Most of you felt that not only did you agree, but your children also felt that the rules were clear and used fairly. Only one respondent disagreed – please feel that you can come and talk to us if your child is worried that they have been treated unfairly so that we can help.
Statement:
The school makes sure that pupils are behaving well
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most of you strongly agreed with this comment. One respondent felt that there was some disruptive behaviour in class. We work hard to ensure that behaviour for learning is outstanding across our classes. Please feel free to come and talk to us if you are concerned that this is not the case.
Statement:
When I have raised concerns with the school, my concerns have been dealt with quickly and effectively
Your response:
65.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed (31% not applicable)
Comments and Actions:
We were pleased that many parents felt that this was not something they had ever needed to do and that those of you who had, felt we had helped your efficiently. Two respondents felt that their concerns had not been dealt with in this manner; we encourage them to come and talk to us again to see if we can rectify this.
Statement:
Any incidents of bullying are effectively handled
Your response:
51.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed (44.8% not applicable)
Comments and Actions:
The safety and welfare of our children is a very important priority for all the staff at Parochial and we were pleased that the vast majority of you had no problems or had been supported in rectifying any issues your child may have had. If you feel that this is not the case, or that your child is a victim of bullying, please come and talk to us.
Statement:
The school promotes equality and diversity
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most respondents strongly agreed with this statement. A few parents commented that we could perhaps do more to celebrate other cultures. When we have looked again at our provision, we feel that we perhaps need to better communicate what we do. As in all things, we strive to improve and, given our lack of diversity in school, we have made celebration and exploration of diversity an area for improvement this year.
Statement:
The school encourages the personal, social and spiritual development of my child
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We take huge pride in the fact that the vast majority of parents strongly agreed with this statement and will continue to work with you to nurture our children’s personal, social and spiritual development.
Statement:
The school encourages my child to be healthy
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Another very positive result. We had a comment that the school meal menu could be improved, but we feel that the Gateshead School Meal service are doing an excellent job of providing three, healthy and tasty choices each day and providing for any allergies or intolerances our children have. If you would like to know more, or have any questions or comments about the menu, please visit Gateshead School Meals Service webpage.
Statement:
The school helps my child to do their best
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Lots of postivity again – we are very proud! We will take on board your comments about challenge for children working above expected levels and monitor for this during the year.
Statement:
The school is well led and managed
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We are quite a new leadership team and very much appreciate your positivity. We will continue to make every effort to build on our strengths and lead our school to be the best it can be.
Statement:
I would recommend this school to other parents
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
93% of respondents strongly agreed to this! We intend to continue to improve and justify the trust you have in us.
My child is taught well
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We had a ‘not applicable’ tick but no disagreement with this statement. We are very proud of this positive response but will continue to strive for improvement. The teaching and learning at Parochial is continously reflected on, evaluated and adapted in the light of best practice.
Statement:
I know what my child is learning or where I could find this out
Your response:
94.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Two respondents felt that they didn’t know where to look for this information and one felt that it was out of date. Our curriculum information has been updated last September and again in June in light of some changes we have made ready for September 2021. In order to make it easier for parents to find, we have included an overview of learning on each class page on our website, with a link to the curriculum page.
Statement:
My child is appropriately challenged in school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most parents felt that challenge was good and that the levels of learning that children can access are working well. However, two parents felt that their child needed to be challenged more. At Parochial we work hard to ensure that challenge is balanced alongside retention but we hope to always provide learning that is engaging. We will ensure that this feedback is shared and challenge is further evaluated in our monitoring.
Statement:
A good range of subjects are taught in school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Comments in this section were very positive though it was noted that outdoor space could be used more often. We agree and have made some changes to our outdoor classroom to make it more useable during wet weather months.
Statement:
Events. trips and visitors are relevant to my child’s learning
Your response:
91.4% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Parents noted that COVID has had a huge impact on trips etc but recognised and appreciated that we have continued to bring in engaging and memorable visitors and access virtual visits and events.
Statement:
My child’s remote learning experience was age-appropriate and manageable
Your response:
89.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
A lot of you felt that managing home learning whilst trying to work yourself was very difficult – a sentiment we entirely appreciate. Some respondents also felt that too much work was set and that the pace was too challenging. During the second lockdown (Jan – March 2021) we felt that our remote learning approach was adapted to meet the needs of most families, providing printed work packs for all, recording sessions so that no-one missed out on access, and providing a good programme of supplementary live sessions. We knew that this would not work perfectly for everyone, but hoped that it would provide a best fit model for our families. We will take on board your comments and adapt our remote learning plan in order to best support those who need to work from home in the future.
Statement:
The school gives me opportunities to find out how my child is doing
Your response:
93.1% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Two parents did not feel that the phone call instead of a parents’ evening had worked well as a means of communicating progress. Some of you who agreed felt that more could be done. We have taken your comments on board and will sort out a way for you to receive more information about your child’s progress throughout the year.
Statement:
My child is making good progress at this school
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
One parent felt that they had not had feedback other than parents evening. Another parent who agreed felt that more information could be given. In pre-covid times we were able to give more specific data information and levels, but due to remote learning, we have instead assessed on the children’s readiness for their next step (ready to progress). We anticipate a more normal year this year and have taken on board your comments about progress and attainment updates between parents evenings.
Statement:
My child feels safe at school
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
It was lovely to see this and to read your responses. Going forward, we are going to do more to ensure that all staff, including lunch supervisors and supply teachers, feel confident to apply the principles and procedures from our behaviour policy.
Statement:
The school has good rules that are used fairly
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Some of you who agreed told us that you weren’t sure what our rules were. We have made sure that our Good Behaviour Policy (see Policies) is easy to find. Most of you felt that not only did you agree, but your children also felt that the rules were clear and used fairly. Only one respondent disagreed – please feel that you can come and talk to us if your child is worried that they have been treated unfairly so that we can help.
Statement:
The school makes sure that pupils are behaving well
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most of you strongly agreed with this comment. One respondent felt that there was some disruptive behaviour in class. We work hard to ensure that behaviour for learning is outstanding across our classes. Please feel free to come and talk to us if you are concerned that this is not the case.
Statement:
When I have raised concerns with the school, my concerns have been dealt with quickly and effectively
Your response:
65.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed (31% not applicable)
Comments and Actions:
We were pleased that many parents felt that this was not something they had ever needed to do and that those of you who had, felt we had helped your efficiently. Two respondents felt that their concerns had not been dealt with in this manner; we encourage them to come and talk to us again to see if we can rectify this.
Statement:
Any incidents of bullying are effectively handled
Your response:
51.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed (44.8% not applicable)
Comments and Actions:
The safety and welfare of our children is a very important priority for all the staff at Parochial and we were pleased that the vast majority of you had no problems or had been supported in rectifying any issues your child may have had. If you feel that this is not the case, or that your child is a victim of bullying, please come and talk to us.
Statement:
The school promotes equality and diversity
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Most respondents strongly agreed with this statement. A few parents commented that we could perhaps do more to celebrate other cultures. When we have looked again at our provision, we feel that we perhaps need to better communicate what we do. As in all things, we strive to improve and, given our lack of diversity in school, we have made celebration and exploration of diversity an area for improvement this year.
Statement:
The school encourages the personal, social and spiritual development of my child
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We take huge pride in the fact that the vast majority of parents strongly agreed with this statement and will continue to work with you to nurture our children’s personal, social and spiritual development.
Statement:
The school encourages my child to be healthy
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Another very positive result. We had a comment that the school meal menu could be improved, but we feel that the Gateshead School Meal service are doing an excellent job of providing three, healthy and tasty choices each day and providing for any allergies or intolerances our children have. If you would like to know more, or have any questions or comments about the menu, please visit Gateshead School Meals Service webpage.
Statement:
The school helps my child to do their best
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
Lots of postivity again – we are very proud! We will take on board your comments about challenge for children working above expected levels and monitor for this during the year.
Statement:
The school is well led and managed
Your response:
100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
We are quite a new leadership team and very much appreciate your positivity. We will continue to make every effort to build on our strengths and lead our school to be the best it can be.
Statement:
I would recommend this school to other parents
Your response:
98.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
Comments and Actions:
93% of respondents strongly agreed to this! We intend to continue to improve and justify the trust you have in us.