Home / School Partnership - Working Together for Your Child

We believe children do best when home and school work together.

You know your child better than anyone. We get to know them as learners, friends and individuals at school. By talking openly, sharing information and working together, we can make sure your child feels happy, supported and ready to learn.

We want parents and carers to feel part of life at Bitterne. Whether things are going brilliantly, you have a question, or something isn't quite right, please talk to us. We would always rather know.

Our Home–School Agreement

A strong partnership starts with knowing what we can expect from one another.

Our Home-School Agreement sets out the shared commitments of school, families and children. At its heart is something very simple: we all want every child to feel safe and happy, enjoy learning, achieve well and make the most of their time at Bitterne.

By working together, communicating openly and supporting the same high expectations at home and at school, we can give every child the best possible chance to thrive.

Read our Home–School Agreement

Keeping in Touch

Good communication matters to us.

ClassDojo is our main way of keeping families up to date. We use it to share class learning, letters, reminders and important school information. Parents and carers can also use ClassDojo to contact school staff.

Teachers are busy teaching and caring for children throughout the school day, so messages may not be seen straight away. If something is urgent, please contact the school office.

We also share regular newsletters, curriculum information and updates about the many things happening across school.

Talking to Us

Your child's class teacher is usually the best person to speak to if you have a question about their learning, friendships, behaviour or day-to-day school life.

Teachers are available at the end of the school day for quick conversations or to hear something you would like us to know. If your question needs a little more time or privacy, we will happily arrange a suitable time to talk properly.

Please don't wait for Parents' Evening if something is worrying you. Come and speak to us.

If you're not sure who you need to speak to, just ask. We will help you find the right person.

Sharing Your Child's Learning and Progress

We want you to know how your child is getting on and to have plenty of opportunities to celebrate their learning with us.

Throughout the year, this includes:

• Parents' Evenings twice each year to talk about your child's learning, progress and next steps.

• Assessment information shared during the year so you know how your child is progressing.

• An end-of-year report giving you a fuller picture of your child's achievements and progress.

• Half-termly curriculum information so you know what your child will be learning.

• Information sessions and workshops covering areas such as phonics, SATs and other aspects of learning.

• The Great Exhibition, when families are invited into school to celebrate children's learning, creativity and achievements.

We also love welcoming families into school at different points throughout the year. School is your child's world for a large part of every weekday and we want you to feel part of it too.

Supporting Learning at Home

The most valuable things families can do at home are often the simplest: read together, talk about the day, practise key skills and show an interest in what your child is learning.

We don't expect parents to become teachers at home. Your encouragement, interest and support make a huge difference.

You can find year-group expectations and practical ideas on our Home Learning page.

Here When Families Need Us

Sometimes families need a little extra help, and we want you to know that it is always okay to ask.

Our Family Support Officer, Mrs Amy Davies, works closely with children and families across the school. She can offer a listening ear, practical advice and help families access wider support when needed.

We also offer opportunities including SEND coffee mornings and family support coffee mornings, sometimes joined by colleagues from services such as the School Nursing Team and Mental Health Support Team.

Whether you need some advice, aren't sure where to turn or simply need someone to talk something through with, please get in touch.

Your Voice Matters

A good partnership works both ways. We want to know what you think about your child's experience at Bitterne.

Throughout the year, we invite parents and carers to share their views through surveys, conversations and our Question of the Week. Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can continue to improve.

You don't have to wait to be asked. If you have an idea, question or concern, please talk to us.

Together We Soar

Being part of Bitterne is about more than attending the same school. We want children and families to feel that they belong to a community where people know one another, look out for one another and work together.

There will be exciting moments, challenges, questions and achievements throughout your child's primary years. Through all of them, we are here to work alongside you.

Your child. Your family. Our school. Together We Soar.