Tower College’s Parent Forum is a vital part of our school community. It provides parents with the opportunity to work in partnership with the school, helping to shape its future and strengthen the bond between home and school. By sharing ideas, raising concerns, and supporting initiatives, the forum ensures that all aspects of school life run smoothly. Together, we can make Tower College an even better, more enriching place for our pupils to learn and grow.
Parent Forum
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the current Parent Forum members listed below, who generously give their time and commitment at each meeting.
Ms Bingley (Principal)
Mrs A Kelly – Preschool representative
Mr D Edwards – Reception representative
Mr D Barr – Reception representative
Mrs A Lynch – Y1 representative
Miss S Young – Y2 representative
Mrs E Hayford – Y3 representative
Mrs V Halliday – Y4 representative
Mrs H Williams – Y5 Representative
Mrs N Allen – Y6 representative
Mrs E Johnson – Y7 representative
Mrs K McAllister – Y8 representative
Mrs C Stamper – Y9 representative
Mrs Z McLeod – Y10 representative
Mrs N Allen – Y11 representative
Next Parent Forum Meeting
Thursday 25th June 2026
Parent Forum Minutes, Feedback and Actions
EYFS Parent Forum – Sept 2025 Feedback & Actions
Dear EYFS Families,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Parent Forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our communication and support for your children. Below is a summary of the key points raised and the actions we’ve taken:
🥗 Food & Lunches
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You Said: It would be helpful to have the lunch menu in advance to prepare your child.
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Action Taken: Menus are now shared weekly via class information sheets and Parentmail.
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You Said: Parents would like to know what their child has eaten each day.
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Action Taken: A link is now provided to view daily updates on lunch and snack choices.
💡 House Points System
- You Said: Some parents, especially new ones, are unfamiliar with how house points work.
- Action Taken: A Parentmail was sent explaining the ePraise system and how house points are awarded.
🔐 Technology Access
- You Said: Some parents had trouble accessing ePraise, especially with multiple children.
- Action Taken: Updated passwords have been sent out, and individual support is available as needed.
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration.
Our next Parent Forum Meeting will be held in January.
EYFS PARENT FORUM - JAN 26 FEEDBACK & ACTIONS
📅 Thursday 22nd January 2026
🧸 Preschool Feedback
🍽️ School Meals
🗣️ You said
Parents really appreciate knowing what their child has eaten, but the previous system was not always consistent.
✅ We did
We have introduced a Lunch Record Book for every child.
📘 What’s in the book?
A copy of the weekly menu
Meals highlighted daily by staff
🎨 Colour Code
Purple = All or nearly all eaten
Yellow = Most eaten
Pink = A little eaten
📩 A Parentmail has been sent explaining the new system.
👕 Uniform & Lost Property (EYFS Reminder)
🗣️ You said
Some uniform goes missing and cannot be recovered, particularly when items are not labelled.
✅ We did
Weekly reminders are sent to parents about labelling all clothing
We are compiling a list of unnamed items currently in class, which will be shared so parents can claim items if they recognise them
🌟 Positive Feedback
🗣️ You said
Parents shared positive feedback about Early Years provision, including good pace and appropriate challenge.
✅ We did
Confirmed children have reading books matched carefully to their stage
Staff will always adjust levels when a child is ready
Parents are encouraged to speak to staff if they feel a book is too easy or too challenging
🎯 Behaviour & Rewards
🗣️ You said
Parents would like clearer communication around rewards, behaviour systems, and expectations.
✅ We did
Work is underway on the updated EYFS & Lower School Behaviour Policy
This will include:
Class Dojo
Whole-class rewards
📩 A Parentmail will be sent once finalised (by Friday 13th February).
📌 Next Meeting
📅 Thursday 25th June 2026
Lower School Parent Forum – Sept 25 Feedback & Actions
Dear Parents,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our September Parent Forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us enhance the experience for all pupils and families in Lower School.
📊 Summary of Feedback
- Total concerns raised: 23
- Actions completed: 11
- Actions in progress: 12
We are committed to addressing all feedback and ensuring transparent communication throughout the term. The next meeting will be held in January.
🔍 Key Themes Raised
Here are the most frequently mentioned topics:
- Uniform – 2 mentions
- Football – 2 mentions
- Communication, Homework, Clubs, Sports, Lunch, Epraise, SATs, Library, Toilets – 1 mention each
These themes help us identify areas for improvement and focus our efforts where they matter most.
✅ What We’ve Done So Far
Here are some of the actions we’ve already taken in response to your feedback:
- Advance notice of events: Weekly class information now includes a rolling “Dates for Your Diary” section with at least one month’s notice.
- Homework clarity (Y1): Weekly updates now include clearer guidance, emphasizing that homework is optional.
- House Points & Certificates: Parent login details for ePraise have been sent, along with guidance on how the system works.
- SATs Clarification: Y2 and Y6 parents have been informed that pupils do not take SATs at Tower College.
- Drop-off Supervision: A staff member is now on duty at 8:30am near the conservatory.
- After-school Clubs: A wider variety of clubs are planned, including EYFS–Y2 sports and more diverse options for Y3–6.
- Sports Teams: Plans are underway to establish Lower School football and netball teams.
- Leadership Roles: Prefects and Playground Friends will be elected and announced before half-term.
- ISA Events: A full calendar of ISA sporting events has been organized and shared.
🕒 What’s Still in Progress
We’re currently working on:
- Improving locker/storage space. An audit is underway.
- Clarifying uniform transitions (pinafores to skirts).
- Responding to feedback about PE kit quality and surveys to be implemented.
- Exploring library access and updates.
- Reviewing all feedback from the Ice Cream Farm event.
- Coordinating with a parent-coach re a football club.
- Creating a Lower School Welcome Pack for new families.
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration. If you have further suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms McNamara
lower school parent forum - Jan 26 feedback & actions
📅 Spring Term 2026
👧🧒 Years 1–6
Thank you to all parents who attended the Lower School Parent Forum and shared feedback. Below is a summary of what was discussed and the actions we have taken.
🌟 Year 1
⚽ After School Clubs
🗣️ You said
More sports clubs (football, netball, martial arts) and better consistency, including Twilight.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Summer clubs are being reviewed with a focus on more sports-based options.
External providers are being explored (subject to sign-up numbers). School has contacted Jay Woods.
A qualified member of staff has offered to run Martial Arts on a non-Thursday.
Football and netball options are being explored (seasonal/weather dependent).
🌞 Spring / Summer Events
🗣️ You said
Are there events planned that parents can get involved in?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Summer events are being planned with opportunities for parent and community involvement. Summer Gala booked.
The possibility of a PTA / Parent Events Team is being explored.
🤝 Buddy Systems
🗣️ You said
Can you share more detail on buddy systems?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Staff are reviewing buddy systems (reading/playground).
A Parentmail will be sent shortly with details.
🌟 Year 2
🚪 Wraparound Care – Access & Communication
🗣️ You said
The back gate bell doesn’t always work and parents can’t always get through by phone.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Protive are visiting on 19 February to assess the system.
A dedicated mobile phone has been purchased so parents can contact Wraparound Care staff directly.
Additional equipment is being provided to support organisation during Twilight.
👕 PE Kit
🗣️ You said
Is there any update on PE kit?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
A whole-school review has taken place.
Decisions are paused while school branding (logo/crest) is reviewed.
🧑💼 Parent Business Network
🗣️ You said
Could a parent business network be created?
🚦 Status: 🟢 Actioned
A parent business network has been started through representatives.
Parents can contact the school office to get involved.
🪩 School Discos
🗣️ You said
Could discos include younger year groups?
🚦 Status: 🟢 Actioned
EYFS–Year 3 Disco booked for Friday 20 March.
Easter and Summer discos will also be organised.
👩🏫 Teaching Assistants
🗣️ You said
Will TA support be replaced following recent staffing changes?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Recruitment is underway and interviews have begun.
In the interim, familiar staff are supporting pupils to ensure consistency.
📊 School Data & Comparisons
🗣️ You said
Parents would like clearer information about school performance.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
We are preparing information we can share with parents.
Although we do not have SATs data, other progress data will be communicated.
🌟 Year 3
💷 Discounts
🗣️ You said
Why is NHS discount offered and is it still in place?
🚦 Status: 🟢 Clarified
NHS discount is no longer offered to new families but is honoured for those already receiving it.
🍎 Snacks
🗣️ You said
Could snack options be more varied?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Snack provision is being reviewed with our catering provider.
We are working towards more variety and pupil involvement in snack preparation.
🌟 Year 4
⚽ Football After School
🗣️ You said
Parents would like football sessions to run.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Meetings are taking place to explore internal and external options.
Delivery depends on sign-ups, weather and daylight.
📅 Thursday Clubs
🗣️ You said
Why are there no clubs on Thursdays?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Thursday is currently staff meeting day.
Lower School is reviewing whether meetings can be adjusted to allow clubs.
🎉 Termly Events
🗣️ You said
Could there be more termly events such as fayres?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Events planning is ongoing, with increased parent involvement being explored.
🌧️ Wet Weather
🗣️ You said
What happens when it rains?
🚦 Status:
🟢 Clarified – Children stay in classrooms during wet breaktimes.
🟡 In progress – A playground committee is reviewing all-weather options.
🏟️ Sports Hall
🗣️ You said
Will there be a sports hall?
🚦 Status: 🔴 Long-term project
A pre-application meeting has taken place.
This is likely to be a 5-year project.
🏃 Cross Country
🗣️ You said
Children felt underprepared for events.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Extracurricular provision is being reviewed.
PE staff are exploring preparation opportunities ahead of competitions.
👗 Uniform (Skirts)
🗣️ You said
Can Year 4 girls wear skirts?
🚦 Status: 🟢 Actioned
Skirts are now available (stock/size dependent).
Uniform suppliers have been informed.
📣 Communication
🗣️ You said
September felt very busy; more notice would help.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Event planning and communication timelines are being reviewed.
🌟 Year 5
🚸 Zebra Crossing
🗣️ You said
Could the path near the zebra crossing be improved?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
Options are being explored and parents will be updated.
🎓 Sixth Form
🗣️ You said
Are there plans for a sixth form?
🚦 Status: 🔴 Not currently viable
This has been considered but is not financially viable at present.
🎾 Padel Courts
🗣️ You said
Will padel courts be for school or public use?
🚦 Status: 🟢 Clarified
Primarily for school use, with potential public hire after hours.
🌧️ Clubs & Bad Weather
🗣️ You said
Children sometimes spend more time indoors in bad weather.
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
This links to our wider review of clubs and all-weather provision.
🌟 Year 6
🔒 Lockers
🗣️ You said
Is there an update on lockers?
🚦 Status: 🟡 In progress
A company is coming in to assess the space and options.
📌 Next Meeting
📅 Thursday 25th June 2026
Middle & Upper School Parent Forum - Sept 25 feedback & actions
Thank you to all parents who attended our recent forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve the experience for our students and families. Below are the key points discussed and actions being taken:
- 🗣️ You Said / ✅ We Did
Year 7
🏰 Willersley Castle Residential
You said: There were concerns around room sharing and communication during the trip.
We did: Staff addressed room-sharing issues promptly and ensured parents were kept updated throughout the trip via social media 📱.
🎒🧥 Bags & Coats
You said: Outdoor hooks were not sufficient during poor weather, raising concerns about storage.
We did: A locker audit is currently underway 🔍. External companies have been contacted to review available spaces and potential additional provision.
Year 8
🎒 Lockers
You said: Concerns about heavy bags remain.
We did: A full locker audit is underway 🔍 to identify solutions and improve storage options.
👨👩👧👦 Parental Introduction Sessions
You said: Parents wanted clear, informative sessions for all year groups.
We did: Future events will mirror Year 7’s format for all year groups 📅.
📚 Homework Balance
You said: Inconsistencies noted
We did: Staff reminded to maintain consistency ✅, and parents will receive guidance via ParentMail ✉️.
Year 9
🏃 PE Kit
You said: Issues with design and availability of PE kit.
We did: A survey will be conducted with pupils and parents 📝 to inform improvements.
Year 10
👥 Parents’ Evening
You said: Some parents struggled to attend in person.
We did: Parents’ Evening is now offered in a hybrid format – online or face-to-face 💻🏫.
📅 Communication
You said: More clarity on upcoming events was needed.
We did: An events list has been shared, and a dedicated webpage created for updates 🌐.
Year 11
🚌Trips
You said: Students wanted flexibility in attending trips.
We did: Students can attend trips until they leave school 🚌.
💃 Prom
You said: Pupils wanted more input in planning. 🎓
We did: Pupils will lead planning, with a committee formed in January following the completion of their mocks📝🎉.
🧘 Wellbeing
You said: Support for wellbeing is important.
We did: Support includes mentors, mindfulness activities, and tea mornings ☕🧘. Pupil voice will guide future initiatives 🗣️
✉️ Communication
You said: Parents wanted direct access to teachers and regular updates.
We did: Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly, with regular reports provided 📄.
💼 Careers
You said: Pupils wanted more guidance on future options.
We did: Careers Week (2–6 March) is planned with visits and guest speakers 🎤🏢.
Looking Ahead
- Next Parent Forum: January 2026
- Parents are welcome to contact Ms McNamara with concerns and ideas in the meantime.
- Fundraising ideas invited – suggestions like a school ball are welcome!
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration. If you have further suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms McNamara
Middle & Upper School Parent Forum - Jan 26 feedback & actions
📅 Thursday 22nd January 2026
Key:
🟢 Done | 🟠 In Progress | 🔴 Under Review
Year 7
🍽️ Canteen Provision
You said:
Concerns about portion sizes, food running out, and alternative options.
🟠 In Progress
Issues were raised urgently with Thomas Franks
A new menu is being developed
Parent and pupil feedback sessions planned after Easter
🧥 School Coats
You said:
Blazers under coats are bulky — could pupils wear lighter coats?
🟢 Done
Parentmail to be sent confirming that on cold or rainy days blazers do not need to be worn if pupils are wearing a school coat.
🎒 Bags & Lockers
You said:
Parents requested an update on storage and lockers.
🟠 In Progress
Discussions ongoing with several providers about locker/storage solutions
Potential use of outdoor space
CG currently liaising with companies
💡 Fundraising
You said:
Parents would like to be more involved in fundraising.
🟠 In Progress
Exploring the creation of a PTA to support fundraising and events.
Year 8
📝 Exams After Christmas
You said:
Could January exams be moved later to reduce pressure over Christmas?
🟢 Done
From 2027 onwards, January assessments for Years 7–10 will move to the end of January
This allows time for rest, revision and consolidation after the holidays
Year 11 mock exams will remain at the start of term for academic reasons.
🧪 Supply Teachers (Chemistry)
You said:
Concerns about Chemistry maternity cover.
🟠 In Progress
Maternity cover is being advertised
Aim to appoint one consistent teacher for the duration of Mrs Poole’s leave
Year 9
📚 Options – RE & Science
You said:
If RE was not compulsory, could a science (e.g. Biology) be compulsory instead?
🟠 In Progress
Pupils must choose at least one science GCSE
No single science is compulsory to allow choice based on strengths
RE is currently under review
A parent consultation has begun to gather views
Year 10
🌳 Outdoor Space
You said:
Could outdoor spaces be used more effectively?
🟠 In Progress
Discussions underway with companies to audit outdoor space
Aim to maximise use for pupils across all age groups
📖 Revision Lists
You said:
Some revision content includes topics from previous years.
🟢 Done
Clarified that assessments test long-term understanding and core knowledge
Some earlier content is included to support progression and deeper learning
🚸 Pedestrian Crossing
You said:
Could the council be approached about a pedestrian crossing?
🔴 Under Review
This has been noted and will be considered as a next step with the council.
Year 11
📅 GCSE Timetable & Leavers Arrangements
You said:
Parents asked for confirmation of GCSE dates and when pupils finish school.
🟢 Done
GCSE exam timetable created and shared
Pupils attend school until their final exam
After their final exam, pupils are no longer required to attend
Leavers’ Morning: Friday 19th June 2026, 8:50am–11:00am
Assembly and brunch
Parents welcome 10:00am–11:00am
Year 11 Prom: Friday 26th June 2026
Next Parent Forum Meeting : Thursday 25th June 2026
