School head’s concern at ‘email abuse’ by parents
A HEADTEACHER has registered his concerns after noticing a rise in the number of ‘unpleasant’ emails to the school by parents.
Holmfirth High’s headteacher Ben Stitchman said the number of “unpleasant and aggressive” emails had arisen – and some of them had been sent late at night.
He has urged parents to think twice before sending such emails.
In a letter to parents, Mr Stitchman shared his concerns, saying: “Following a lot of discussion, we have noticed some definite changes in the interactions we have with some of our parents and carers.
“It’s absolutely right and proper that parents and carers should be able to have a dialogue with school staff concerning their children but on too many occasions our staff have been treated poorly and been subject to behaviour that falls below what they have the right to expect. We do not accept that it is ok to shout or try to intimidate our staff.
“The number of unpleasant and aggressive emails we receive has risen. This type of email is often sent late at night and could certainly benefit from a little additional time and reflection before being sent.
“That is not to say that we always get everything right (and where we don’t then we should say so) but the point needs to be made that I have not met a single teacher or colleague in my over 20 years in education who does not want to try and do their best for the children in their care.
“We have also seen an increase in the number of parents and carers who refuse to accept that their child has done or could do anything wrong.
“No one is perfect and we all make mistakes but the key thing is to learn from these experiences. Too often parents and carers have recently wanted to challenge the school rather than deal with the issue at hand.
“This does not help their child and often makes the situation worse because a child believes that no matter what they do their parent will support and potentially excuse that behaviour. As we all know, when you leave school and go into the wider world potential employers and others won’t be as tolerant or understanding.
“Parents and carers can support their child by trying to take a balanced approach when issues arise. By listening to the issue and working with the school to help deal with any problems.
“This will help a child to learn and develop. This is something that we all want.
“At the same time, children make mistakes and one error doesn’t make someone a terrible person and issues need to be seen in that context.
“Please bear in my mind that when difficulties occur no member of staff takes any pleasure whatsoever in having to speak to a parent or carer about it.”
One parent, who did not want to be named, was furious after reading Mr Stitchman’s email. The parent told The Examiner that the school “really ought to be directing these sorts of letters, and dealing with whatever the problems are, with the parents concerned.”
The parent added: “I think the communication problem reflects more to an issue with senior management at the school and less to parents; far from parents being ‘unpleasant’ or ‘aggressive,’ I suspect they are simply frustrated.”
The Examiner has approached the school for further comment.
Earlier this month staff at Holmfirth High were praised by Ofsted for planning lessons that are “highly interesting and engaging” and having very high expectations of pupils.
Inspectors were so impressed by the 1,300-pupil Holmfirth school – currently judged to be ‘good’ – that they suggested it could receive an ‘outstanding’ rating at a full inspection.
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