WhatsApp Groups

Class WhatsApp Groups

We understand Parents find Class WhatsApp groups a useful and efficient way of communicating to the whole class.

At Pyrcroft Grange, we believe it is important to:

• Work in partnership with parents to support their child’s learning
• Create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for pupils, staff and parents
• Always model appropriate behaviour for our pupils

To help us do this, we set clear expectations and guidelines on behaviour for all members of our community. This includes staff (through the staff code of conduct) and pupils (through our behaviour policy).

This code of conduct aims to help the school, collaborate with parents by setting guidelines on appropriate behaviour.

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 views/grievances regarding a teacher, child, or parent in the class or school
• The group should not be used for sharing videos or photos of pupils
• 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
• Collaborate 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

Our Behaviour Towards Staff by Parents, Carers and Visitors policy, on our school website, clearly lists, under “Unacceptable Behaviours” the types of behaviour that are considered serious and unacceptable and which will not be tolerated. In particular, the list includes: “Inappropriate electronic activity including publishing abusive or inappropriate content online relating to the school, teachers or pupils…”.

Raising Concerns

If you are concerned about inappropriate comments on a class WhatsApp group, in confidence, please contact the Headteacher head@pyrcroftgrange.surrey.sch.uk

If the school suspects, or becomes aware, that a parent has breached the code of conduct detailed above, the school will gather information from those involved and speak to the parent about the incident.