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.

If you are expressing an interest in being a representative for more than one class, please complete a new form for each of your child's classes.