At Jeanne Barret Primary School, we firmly believe that a child thrives best when surrounded by adults who work together, communicate and share a common vision. The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is not just a nice phrase: it is a founding principle of how we support our pupils on a daily basis.
In a society where the relationship between family and school can sometimes seem distant, we have chosen a different approach: to open our doors, forge connections, and work together to create a caring, consistent and safe environment for every child.
A simple, open and everyday relationship
For Jeanne Barret, parent–teacher collaboration is not limited to a few meetings throughout the year.
It is experienced every day, in a natural and human way.
Des échanges informels chaque matin et chaque après-midi
Lors du dépôt le matin ou au moment de récupérer les enfants l’après-midi, il est possible d’échanger quelques mots, de partager une information, une émotion, un petit évènement vécu à la maison.
Ces moments simples permettent :
- to share a detail that could make all the difference to the child’s day (a bad night’s sleep, a row, some good news, a worry…);
- to create continuity between home and school;
- to build mutual trust and understanding.
These informal exchanges are invaluable: they play a direct role in pupils’ emotional well-being, as they enable teachers to adapt their approach and support.
A teaching team that is approachable and attentive
Availability is one of the cornerstones of our school.
Families can, at any time, make an appointment with a teacher or the school management to:
- get a detailed update on their child’s progress,
- ask questions,
- to discuss a specific situation,
- work together to find solutions or ways to provide support.
We believe that regular communication prevents misunderstandings and helps to build a relationship based on transparency, respect and a shared goal: to help every child thrive.
Quarterly reviews to monitor progress
In addition to our day-to-day communication, we send out a comprehensive report every term
. This document enables families to:
- track progress,
- understand the skills that have been acquired and those that are still being developed,
- keep a close eye on their child’s academic, social and emotional development.
These reviews are followed by a discussion session should parents wish to explore the matter further or ask questions.
Festive occasions to bring our “village” together
Throughout the year, a number of events punctuate school life:
themed parties, parent-child workshops, shared snacks, arts and sports events…
These social gatherings provide an opportunity to:
- create shared memories,
- strengthen the sense of belonging,
- to build relationships between families, children and the team,
- to build a warm and supportive community centred on the child.
Every event is a way of putting our vision of the educational village into practice: a place where everyone has a role to play, where everyone contributes something to the child’s development.
Growing together: our philosophy
We do not view school as an institution separate from the family, but as a extension of it — a place where children grow up surrounded by consistent, caring and committed adults.
At Jeanne Barret School:
- parents are partners,
- Teachers are role models,
- and children are at the heart of this partnership.
By forging a strong and lasting link between home and school, we provide every pupil with a harmonious, safe and stimulating environment.
A true educational community, where everyone contributes in their own way to the children’s development.
«It takes a village to raise a child.»
African proverb
