WhatsApp & Social Media Parent/Carer Groups

WhatsApp and social media guidance

To aid communication between parents and carers, many of you will have WhatsApp groups, which operate independently of the school.

Class or Parent/Carer Groups

Class or Parent/Carer WhatsApp groups are a very useful and efficient way of communicating to the whole class or groups of parents. The aim of using WhatsApp is to send messages to an entire group, which are relevant to the parents in the group such as reminders for events, own clothes days and trips.

The messages in WhatsApp groups either come from parents in their personal capacity. The school does not post directly on any WhatsApp parent/carer groups.

Code of Conduct

Parents should adhere to the following guidelines when using class WhatsApp groups:

• The group should never be used as a platform to air grievances regarding a teacher, child or parent in the class or school;
• The group is not a political platform for airing opinions on current affairs;
• The group should not be used for private conversations with anyone else using the group;
• The group should be used keeping in mind mutual respect and cultural sensitivity between all its members.

We expect parents, carers and other visitors to:
• Respect the ethos, vision and values of our school;
• Work together with staff in the best interests of our pupils;
• Treat all members of the school community with respect – setting a good example with speech and behaviour;
• Seek a peaceful solution to all issues;
• Approach the right member of school staff to help resolve any issues of concern.

Please note, the school considers the following online activity inappropriate:
• Abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or other parents or any member of the school community;
• Displays of anger including swearing, or using offensive language;
• Bringing the school into disrepute;
• Posting aggressive, defamatory or libellous comments;
• Emails circulated or sent directly with abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or any member of the school community;
• Using social media to publicly challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children;
• Threatening behaviour, such as verbally intimidating staff, or using bad language.

The school takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately

Raising Concerns

If you are concerned about inappropriate comments on a WhatsApp group, please contact our Senior Leadership Team. Any concern, grievance or complaint should be passed to the Senior Leadership Team.