Parental Engagement

Working in Partnership with Parents

In addition to the statutory annual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) review, we hold termly Individual Education Plan (IEP) calls with parents and carers. These meetings provide an opportunity to share updates on pupil progress, review targets, and set new goals together.

This regular communication ensures that parents are actively involved in their child’s learning journey and that strategies at school and home remain consistent and supportive. By working in partnership, we can celebrate successes, address challenges quickly and make sure every pupil continues to thrive.

Parents in School

Building strong partnerships with parents and families is central to our pupils’ success. We
warmly welcome parents and carers into school throughout the year to share in special events and celebrations.

By inviting parents into school for our special days termly, we create a sense of community where everyone feels valued and included. These events are not only a chance to celebrate pupils’ progress, but also to strengthen the relationships that underpin their learning and wellbeing.

Communicating with Parents

We value strong communication between home and school. We use School Spider as our main communication platform to share important updates, newsletters and messages with families. Parents and carers receive login details when their child is registered at the school. For more information about School Spider, please contact the school office at office@theoaks.school.

We also have a closed, secure Facebook page which parents and carers can request to join once their child starts at The Oaks. This page is used to share reminders, celebrate school events and keep families connected in a safe and supportive online space.

How to Access School Spider

  • Step 1: Download the free School Spider app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

  • Step 2: Open the app and search for The Oaks School.

  • Step 3: Log in using the username and password provided by the school.

  • Step 4: Once logged in, you’ll be able to receive messages, newsletters, and important updates directly to your phone.

  • Step 5: If you have any problems logging in, please contact us at office@theoaks.school and we’ll be happy to help.

How to Access The School Facebook Page

  • Step 1: Log in to your Facebook account.

  • Step 2: Search for “The Oaks School [Closed Parent Group]” (link will be provided by school).

  • Step 3: Click “Request to Join”. Ensure you answer all the questions, otherwise your request will be denied.

  • Step 4: Your request will be approved once your child has officially started at The Oaks.

  • Step 5: Once you are a member, you’ll see regular posts, photos, and reminders from the school.

Coffee Mornings

At The Oaks, we believe that supporting families is just as important as supporting pupils. We host regular Parent Coffee Mornings, which give parents and carers the chance to socialise, meet other families, and build a supportive community. These informal sessions also provide an opportunity to hear updates from the school, ask questions, and access advice or guidance on a range of topics. Whether it’s sharing experiences, finding out more about school life, or simply enjoying a friendly chat, our coffee mornings are a valuable way for parents to connect with both staff and each other.

Trusted Health Advice for Families

We know that parents often need quick, reliable advice about children’s health and wellbeing. That’s why we signpost families to Patient.info – the UK’s most trusted health platform, used by millions of people every month, including NHS clinicians. All content is written and reviewed by doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, and it is recommended by the NHS as a safe and reliable source of information.

From guidance on common childhood illnesses and allergies, to support with mental health, sleep, asthma and healthy living. Patient.info helps families decide when children should stay off school and when they are well enough to attend. This reduces uncertainty for parents, saves time for staff and supports children’s learning by helping them return to school as soon as possible.

For NHS-recommended advice on children’s health and school attendance, visit:
Patient.info