Guidelines for Bolingbroke PA WhatsApp groups
WhatsApp groups are very valuable to members of our community when used in the right way
When there are too many messages or the wrong sort of messages, the information and sharing that matters can get lost or members can feel excluded
Parent WhatsApp groups are used to inform about parent and family events organised by the PA and for parents to share reminders and information about things going on at school or to answer each others questions
WhatsApp groups set up by parents are “owned” by the members of those groups and not the PA
The PA Trustees and Committee urge parents to use these chat groups responsibly and have drafted the guidelines below to help everyone to engage in only positive and helpful communications
For the avoidance of doubt, staff at Bolingbroke Academy have no sight of parent WhatsApp groups unless they are parents and all school communications will be sent out directly from the school via Bolingbroke Post, direct email or text message
To make sure that we use the WhatsApp group responsibly and effectively, the PA Committee has outlined the following guidelines for members
The purpose of the WhatsApp groups is to connect our community in an inclusive and positive way
The school year WhatsApp groups are valued by members for helping each other out, sharing reminders and clarifying communications
They are not the right forums for expressing viewpoints and opinions
We’d like to ask all parents and carers to respect this purpose and participate in this spirit
Regrettably, admins will be obliged to suspend members who breach these guidelines
This checklist is widely used to guide chat group members and keep WhatsApp working as an effective communication channel
W What was it that you wanted to ask?
H Have you first asked a friend or your child if they know the answer to your question?
A Are you meaning to send your message to the entire parent community?
T Think about how others may perceive your message before typing
S Scroll up. The answer to your question may already be there
A Avoid personal gripes
P Pause before sending. Does it still seem like a good idea?
P Please be polite and considerate an please keep it school related