We try to keep parents up to date with information through our regular newsletters. Our ‘School Coms’ system allows us to communicate quickly and effectively and is used by the vast majority of our parents.
Helping at school
Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning and many offer regular voluntary assistance or support specific activities during the school year. If you have a particular skill or interest you would like to share with us please contact the main office or your child’s class teacher. Please follow the link to see our ‘Helping at Thorndown’ guide.
Many of the enrichment activities we provide would not be possible without the voluntary assistance we receive from families.
Please note that volunteers are asked to complete a DBS application giving personal details and permission for a police check to be carried out.
Supporting your child’s learning
Strong partnerships between home and school, alongside active engagement from parents in their child’s education, will help raise their attainment and allow them to develop a positive self image. We invite you to attend as many of our activities as possible eg:
- School productions
- End of topic celebrations
- Special lunches
- Sporting activities
- Special events eg: Our Eco Day, RE, History, Geography
- Parents consultation evenings
- FOTS events
- Special creative activity days
- Curriculum workshops
Homework
Many of the things you do naturally as parents will help your children develop socially and academically. Some of these may include:
- Reading
- Playing games
- Story telling
- Counting
- Shopping
- Telling the time
- Puzzles
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Ball games
- Sports clubs
- Garden games
- Visits places of interest
- Farms
- Beaches
- Museums
- Town Trails
- Theatre trips
Children can be encouraged in their writing to send thank you notes, keep a diary/journal or have their own personal scrap book for a personal interest.
Homework will vary in the different year groups and you can read more about this on the specific year group pages.
Please find the Homework Expectation for all year groups HERE.
Progress updates
There are opportunities through the year for you to be updated on your child’s progress. These are usually through our consultation evenings. However, if you have concerns at any time, or wish to contact us for any reason, please arrange an appointment with your child’s class teacher.
Every child receives a written progress report at the end of the Summer Term.
Friends of Thorndown
Thorndown has a thriving group known as Friends of Thorndown (FOTS) who provide many opportunities for parents and pupils to get together. This charity group helps to raise substantial funds which allow the school to buy resources which enhance our curriculum and provide enrichment activities for our pupils.
If you would like to know more about FOTS please follow this link.
