Here's how you can effectively manage feedback from parents and the community as a school administrator.

Follow-Up: After implementing changes based on feedback, follow up to ensure issues are resolved and gather additional input if needed.

I would also recommend that schools put in place regular formal feedback mechanisms. As well as an annual or biannual parent satisfaction survey, I am a strong advocate for regular "pulse check" kind of research, such as Net Promoter Score and Value For Money, which not only provide information on progress and act as an early warning system in case of issues, but also demonstrate that parental feedback matters to you. If any schools need help with this, please do get in touch!

In my opinion, being perceived as approachable and sensitive to parent feedback is critical in ensuring that the trust levels are maintained and nurtured. Make time to have several formal and informal conversations with parents. But do be mindful of maintaining boundaries and not being “ too friendly “, “ too easily available “

In my experience, being transparent, asking for parent feedback and input, creates a bridge of communication between families and the school. It allows the parents to be involved, voice their concerns and lets them know that the school has their child's best interest at heart.

This is essential! Too many independent school heads assume that because parents are paying customers that they are "always right" and the school needs to react to any and every suggestion or criticism. Being clear about what the school can do, or will do, and most importantly remaining committed not only to the school's strategic plan but also to what is in the best interests of students, is critical.

Once you receive parent's feedback, action needs to happen. It can be brought to the school committee that works with bridging the families and the school. They can discuss the follow through and follow up with a response.

The other thing that I would add is the importance of having professional communications and marketing people in a school. Many people assume that communications can be handled by more or less anyone, since some of the tools seem quite simple to use and "everyone can write"...in my experience, pedagogues are not always the best communicators (especially when it comes to dealing with parents rather than students), and ensuring that your school has someone who is qualified and experienced at Comms and Marketing is what makes the difference between average to good and great school communication.

Prerequisite: A culture of openness, respect, and collaboration where feedback and feedforward are seen as opportunities for growth. Feedback Management Open Communication Channels: Regular Surveys Suggestion Boxes Social Media Formal Meetings: Town Hall Meetings Focus Groups Feedback Analysis: Categorize Feedback Prioritize Issues Action Planning: Develop Action Plans Communicate Actions Follow-Up: Close the Loop: Follow up with parents to inform them about the outcomes of their feedback and how it has been addressed.