CFGS works with parents and carers in a number of ways. The Parents’ Forum is a platform for parents and carers to communicate on a more personal level with CFGS staff and become more involved with the school.

FAQs

How often and where does the Forum take place?

It takes places once every half term at Harley Grove.

How long does each forum last?

The forum lasts for an hour.

Who is invited to the Parents’ Forum?

The Parents’ Forum is open to all parents and carers in Years 7 to 11. CFGS staff are also invited.

How are parents and carers notified about the Parents’ Forum?

A text message goes out to all parents and carers in Years 7 to 11. Details are also available on the Parents’ Room in Fronter, on Insight, on the external notice boards at Harley Grove and in the calendar sent out to all parents.

Who runs the Parents’ Forum?

The forum is run by the school’s Parent Outreach Worker. The Head Teacher, Chair of Governors and other key members of staff also attend on a regular basis.

What is covered in the Parents’ Forum?
•    This is an opportunity for parents and carers to raise all issues related to their daughters’ learning and discuss concerns in the local community.
•    Parents and carers will be provided with the minutes of the previous forum, the agenda and other relevant information to take away.
•    There are occasions when guests come in to speak about local services on offer and run workshops on specific topics.
•    This is also the chance to meet and network with other CFGS parents.

Why is it important to attend?

By attending the Parents’ Forum, you can keep up-to-date about the real issues which parents feel passionate about. You can also find out what the school is doing to ensure that parents’ concerns are dealt with. You may also have an important issue to raise, which others may also agree with.

Do I have to speak at the forum if I attend?

No. The Parents’ Forum is an informal setting as we want to make parents and carers feel as comfortable as possible. It is up to you if you’d like to discuss an issue or just get some refreshments and listen to others.

Are there any interpreters present?

The Parent Outreach Worker speaks Bengali. Should you require any other languages, please feel free to bring along another parent who can interpret for you.

What positive outcomes have been achieved as a result of the Parents’ Forum?

Thanks to YOU, since 2007, the following have been achieved:

•    More effective ways of communicating with parents instead of sending letters.
•    Accurate information about Out of School Hours Learning (OOSHL) activities.
•    Change times for the Parents’ Forum from 9.30am start.
•    Concerns about where students are after school and if they are actually attending OOSHL activities.
•    Somali parents’ needs (especially language needs) not being catered for.
•    Strengthening Families, Strengthening Families participants wanting to continue meeting on a regular basis.
•    Concerns about the crossings on Bow Road – Raised with the council and Transport for London  (TfL).
•    Information about social issues affecting young people.
•    Text messages sent out regarding Parents’ Forums and other events.
•    Updated OOSHL timetables sent out to all parents every half term; also available on Fronter in the Parents’ Room.
•    Parents’ Forum taking place later in the morning and occasionally, after school.
•    Registers taken for every OOSHL activity to keep a track of where students are in the school.
•    Monthly Somali Parents’ Coffee Mornings with interpreter present.
•    Parenting Support Group (‘Inspiration’) set up by mothers – Meeting on a regular basis at Harley Grove.
•    Toucan crossing built outside Bow Road entrance to accommodate large numbers of students.
•    Workshops social issues such as substance abuse, cyber-bullying  and safeguarding children.

For any information about the Parents’ Forum, who should I contact?

Please contact Mr K. Ali (Parent Outreach Worker) on 020 8981 1131 ex. 319 at the school.