If parents have an urgent message please either call or email the school office.

Communication at Richard Hill

We work really hard at our communication and whilst is something that will never be perfect for everyone, we endeavour to make sure that you have all the information you need in a timely manner. We have set out below how we use these different methods to ensure you are up to date.

Weduc/Reach More Parents

This is where you will see what your class are doing and where you can message your class teacher. Class teachers will share class specific reminders on this platform too. You can also message Mrs Applebee using this platform however it’s important to note that this is not monitored daily so if you have a more urgent query please contact the school office directly to arrange to speak with Mrs Applebee. There will be regular information for parents on the Newsfeed via this platform around online safety, attendance, school events. Wider school achievements and information will all now be shared on this platform instead of having newsletters. Please be aware that Teachers are very busy and will not be checking this platform during teaching time. They will respond as soon as they can.

Arbor

Arbor is the platform that is used by our office staff. The majority of communication from the school office will come to you via Arbor. Please ensure your contact details are up to date otherwise you may not receive all the information from school that is relevant to your child. 

Parent Pay

We are a cashless school as much as possible and use the platform Parent Pay to maintain this. Please contact the school office if you are unsure of anything that comes via Parent Pay. Chartwells, our school lunches company, are linked into this and send their own reminders and information. We have no control over this so please contact them directly with any issues you have. We also apologise in advance if then you have school reminders and Chartwell reminders for anything lunch related. This is purely to make sure children do not miss out. 

Calendar on Weduc/Events Calendars

Key diary dates will be put on the calendar for the whole school.  At busy times of year, we will send out a more detailed calendar of school events, dates and timings. 

Social Media

We use this to celebrate learning and achievements in school this year. This is all managed by the LearnAT central team. We have a very clear media consent form which parents and carers are asked to completed annually. Please contact us if you notice anything online of concern and we will amend it immediately. We also use it to share when school is closed in extreme weather and give links for parents to follow up about a range of areas e.g. holiday sports clubs. We will also share anything that we are promoting such as school events.

Face to Face communication

The school office is open daily from 8.30am – 3.30pm for all your needs. They will communicate directly with class teachers when anything needs passing on. Class teachers are available at the end of the day to share with however if you have a larger concern please book an appointment to see them as they have commitments after school on many days. They will always endeavour to see you as soon as possible or have a phone/video call conversation with you. If you would like to see a school leader there is Mrs Applebee and Mrs McVeigh at school every day. We will always try and see you as soon as possible.

We feel that it would always be better to have the information twice instead of not at all! If you have any suggestions for improving communication we are always keen to hear ideas so please do send them to the school office email.