Goal: To increase parents' involvement in school life
Contact: 01642 317 350 or email stthomasmore@middlesbrough.gov.uk
The simple step of converting a disused classroom into a community roomhas made a real difference to St Thomas More Primary School, says headteacher Jane Apolloni. The idea was to give parents their own space atthe heart of the school as part of efforts to boost parental involvementin school life.
The room, which is fitted out with a small kitchen and conference table,is the regular meeting place for the Parents and Friends Association anda venue for family learning and adult education.
It is also used for specialist health appointments such as physiotherapyand speech and language therapy for some children who would otherwisehave to miss large chunks of the school day.
"Now the specialists can come to us so it's much easier for the childand their parents don't have to take time off work," says Apolloni.
Overall the community room has had a big impact on the school not leastbecause parents now feel they're an integral part of what goes onthere.
"Parents have their own space in the school, so they feel valued andincluded," says Apolloni.
