Parent Home-School Agreement

At St James’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that a positive partnership between home and school is essential to every child’s happiness, wellbeing and success. Our Home–School Agreement sets out the shared expectations and responsibilities of the school, parents/carers and children, helping to ensure that our community is safe, supportive and rooted in our Catholic values.

►By accepting a place at St James’s and choosing for their child to attend the school, parents/carers are expected to uphold and abide by the principles, expectations and responsibilities set out in the Home–School Agreement throughout their child’s enrolment.

This expectation applies regardless of whether the agreement is signed, returned or formally acknowledged. Choosing not to sign or return the agreement does not remove the expectation that parents/carers will respect and adhere to its terms.

►Respectful communication is a fundamental expectation of our home–school partnership.

All communication between parents/carers and school staff, whether verbal or written, must be polite, courteous, respectful and constructive at all times. This includes face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, meetings, emails, letters, messages and communication through school platforms. We expect everyone to communicate with consideration, professionalism and mutual respect, including when raising concerns, expressing disagreement or discussing difficult matters.

We recognise that parents/carers may have questions, concerns or differing views, and encourage these to be raised through the appropriate school channels. However, disagreement must never result in abusive, aggressive, threatening, intimidating or disrespectful language or behaviour towards any member of the school community. 

Parents/carers are also expected to support their child's education by ensuring regular attendance and punctuality, appropriate uniform, positive behaviour, engagement with home learning and school communications, and attendance at meetings to discuss their child's progress and wellbeing.

The school, in turn, is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment, a high-quality Catholic education, clear and respectful communication, and a supportive partnership with every family.

►Our Home–School Agreement is a shared commitment, not simply a document to be signed. By choosing St James’s for their child’s education, families are expected to respect and uphold the standards and responsibilities that underpin our school community.

The agreement may be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, statutory guidance and school policies. The current version is provided below.