Worthing school admits "disappointed" with parents (From The Argus)

Worthing school admits "disappointed" with parents

7:30pm Thursday 29th September 2011 in News

Just two parents turned up for a meeting about how to improve their children's school.

Teachers and governors admitted they were “disappointed” with the turnout after arranging the meeting to discuss the results of a parents' survey.

More than 200 pupils attend St Mary's Primary School in Cobden Road, Worthing, which until a few years ago was in special measures - a status given to failing schools.

But despite this just two parents turned up for the meeting organised by the school's volunteer governors.

Headteacher Cecilia Lewis and chair of governors Sarina Wickens wrote to parents about the poor turnout.

They said: “It was disappointing that only two parents attended the governors' feedback sessions.

“The governors and school need to regularly check with the school community that our improvements are having a positive impact on the children and the governors' questionnaire is one way in which we gather your views.

“However, the responses indicate that a great majority of the parent body is happy with the school.”

The meeting was to discuss the results of a parents' survey.

A total of 57 of the 217 families with pupils at the school replied to the survey about what they thought about their children's education.

Mrs Lewis told The Argus: “We were disappointed by the turnout but can only surmise that the parents are happy with the school.

“The school is a lovely community and we organised the meeting because we want to be open, transparent and honest.

“Even though only two parents attended the meeting was still held and they asked some interesting and important questions such as about homework.

“I wish I could explain why only two attended. 40% of parents at the school do not speak English as a first language and that must be a barrier.”

She said any parents who wanted to talk to her about the school were welcome to approach her.