Hornchurch Academy Trust

Parent Forum

The School Parliament has been up and running for many years and has resulted in a wide range of suggestions from the children that have been put into action to improve the school such as new litter bins in the playgrounds, larger drinks with school dinners, playground equipment at lunchtimes, change in uniform policy and a change in the way football is played at lunchtime. The School Parliament consists of one representative from each class and meets regularly so that the school has a direct line of communication to listen to the pupil voice.

The Parent Council is organised in a similar fashion. The Parent Council is a forum for parents and carers to raise issues about the school and to give feedback about subjects raised by other parents and also by the school. The representatives from each class meet regularly with the Head-teacher to achieve the following objectives.


The Objectives of the Parent Council are:

  • To work in partnership with the school to create a welcoming school which is inclusive for all parents and carers.
  • To promote partnership between the school, its pupils and all its parents and carers.
  • To develop and engage in activities which support the education and welfare of the pupils.
  • To identify and represent the views of all parents on the education provided by the school and other matters affecting the education and welfare of the pupils.
  • To support and encourage the activities of the Parents Association.

Who can be a Parent Council Representative?

  • Any parent or carer of a child at the school can nominate themselves to be a Parent Council representative, however, in order to fulfil the role fully ideally you should:
  • Have free time during the school day as this is when the meetings will take place.
  • As well as attending meetings, the representatives need to be able to invite the other parents/carers of children in the class they represent to raise issues for discussion, and also to give feedback on the issues that will be discussed at forthcoming meetings. This can be done face to face at the school gate, or by email – or any way that is convenient for the individual representative.
  • Be open minded and approachable.
  • Already know some of the other parents of your child’s class and be willing to know more in order for you to be able to gather views and opinions and to disseminate information.
  • Representatives will serve a term of office (one school year) with new reps being nominated each September in future years.
  • In accordance with guidance about running a Parent Council, a representative needs to be nominated by 2 other parents/carers from the class to be represented. Nominations can be returned to Miss Edgcombe via the School Office.
  • More information can be found on our learning platform.