Comber Grove Primary School in Camberwell has brought the community together with a host of events.
“We are trying to bring back the community spirit after the pandemic,” said parent governor Hatice Gungor. “The lockdown has affected everybody mentally.”
Along with fellow governor Lee Strong, the mother-of-three has launched a fortnightly coffee morning at the school, where parents can socialise, seek help and support one another.
“We are very fortunate to have such good governors who understand our concerns,” said Kelly Clifford, whose seven-year-old daughter attends the school.
“They help our kids reach their potential by supporting us to reach our potential.”
“Go on governors,” she added.
There is a big focus on supporting parents through education and training at these events, with IT and literacy workshops planned for the future.
One struggling parent has managed to gain employment at a local nursery by volunteering at the school.
Another mother of two children at the primary school, Jade Ximines, said the coffee mornings had been an “absolute lifeline.”
“The governors are really approachable.”
“They are so helpful and supportive with whatever we need,” she added.
Where there was once “little parental engagement before the pandemic”, Lee and Hatice’s efforts to forge a tight-knit community are proving hugely popular.
More than 20 parents attend each session, yet new faces are coming all the time.
Many have formed close friendships are now spending time with others outside of the school.
“We love our school,” said Lee. “We are really proud of what we have done.”
“It’s hard and tiring, but what we do is rewarding.”
The pair, who “get on like a house on fire”, say they have much more in store for the school.
They are aiming to set up big events every term, alongside smaller regular fixtures, such as mother and baby, film nights and father’s breakfasts.
“We have so many ideas,” says Lee.
Head Teacher Sarah Bowmer believed this “coming together” of parents was “so important”, as Comber Grove is a disadvantaged school, with many families facing tough challenges.
Mental health has been a major concern of the school following the pandemic, as well as poverty and marginalisation.
But, despite the challenges they may face, parents are working together to help Comber Grove, which itself is having issues surrounding funding and pupil numbers.
Parents have donated whatever they can to raise money for the school, while the governors have converted one of its disused rooms, which was no longer needed due to downsizing, to host their parent’s events – all on their own initiative.
Parental involvement is a “top priority” for the school, says head Sarah, and vital to its long-term survival.
“Other schools keep parents out because of Covid. But we are the opposite. We want them in as much as possible.”
“More than a simple drop off and pick up, we want to create a community.”