Dear School Leaders and parents and carers

Parent Carer and Community Acceptable Behaviour Expectations

I am writing to you to confirm the expectations regarding parent carer and community acceptable behaviour, and arrangements to support schools regarding these expected behaviours in our town.

Reading Borough Council, Reading Primary Heads Association, Reading Secondary and College Leaders and Brighter Futures for Children are unwavering in our support for all school staff and leadership teams working tirelessly in our educational institutions.

We understand that working in the field of education comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it involves interactions with parents and communities. It is with great concern that we address the issue of an increasing number of incidents of unacceptable behaviour towards educational institutions and educators from some individuals in our Reading community. As advocates for a safe and conducive learning environment, we want to make it unequivocally clear that we do not condone nor accept any form of unacceptable behaviour from parents or members of the community towards school staff.

Every member of our school teams deserves to work in an environment free from hostility, intimidation, or disrespect. We recognise the importance of fostering positive relationships between schools, parents, and the community. However, it is imperative that these relationships are built upon mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

To this end, we stand firmly in support of our staff and leadership teams in all schools in Reading. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and open communication within our schools and communities.

Reading Borough Council has agreed expectations of community and parent carer behaviour which we collectively see as the basis for respectful, open communication. A copy of these expectations is attached to this letter.

By working together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedication to the greater good of all children in Reading unites us in purpose and strengthens our resolve to overcome challenges.

Our collective commitment is to foster a harmonious and respectful environment for the benefit of all children in Reading. We stand united in our resolve to ensure that unacceptable behaviour, in any form, will not be tolerated within our schools or communities.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Grady
Director of Education
Brighter Futures for Children