Recently, one of our community members shared a heartfelt post that really resonated with school leaders across the country.
“Please tell me I made the right decision.”
This headteacher described how their staff had been feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer volume—and sometimes the tone—of direct messages they were receiving through ClassDojo. Some of these messages arrived late into the evening, long after the teachers had stayed behind to run a bedtime story session for the children. One teacher, an early career teacher, went home in tears after reading critical messages from parents who had attended the very session she’d volunteered to run.
After consulting with governors, the headteacher made the decision to switch off direct parent-to-teacher messaging and route all communication through the school office. The intent was clear: not to cut off communication, but to protect teachers’ wellbeing and to ensure that messages could be managed appropriately.
The backlash was immediate. Some parents felt their access had been reduced; a few were vocal in their dissatisfaction. The headteacher, though confident it was the right decision, admitted the criticism had been difficult to take.
The Leadership Challenge: Protecting Staff While Maintaining Trust
This post sparked a wave of support from other school leaders, many of whom had already made similar changes. Their message was consistent and reassuring: You absolutely did the right thing.
As one leader put it:
“We stopped all Dojo messaging last year – even to office staff and myself as HT. It was the best thing we ever did for staff wellbeing.”
Another added:
“We’re not an emergency service. There’s absolutely no requirement for teachers to be available 24/7.”
It’s a powerful reminder that effective leadership often means making unpopular but necessary decisions to protect your team.
Why This Matters
The Department for Education’s Staff Wellbeing Charter highlights the importance of protecting staff from excessive workload and poor mental health. Similarly, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 emphasises that safeguarding depends on staff being well, alert, and supported.
When teachers are constantly “on call” via apps or messaging platforms, the boundary between professional and personal life blurs. This doesn’t just harm staff wellbeing—it risks impacting classroom practice, retention, and even safeguarding vigilance.
And yet, the desire to communicate effectively with parents is genuine and well-intentioned. Parents want updates, reassurance, and connection. Schools want to be approachable and transparent. The key lies in balance—creating structured, sustainable communication channels that work for everyone.
Practical Ways to Manage Communication
More and more schools are redefining how parents and teachers connect, for the benefit of both parties. Here are some approaches shared by our community:
Channel all communication through the school office. This ensures messages are triaged and urgent issues reach the right person quickly.
Set clear response times. For example, “Emails and messages will be responded to within two working days.”
Use school-managed platforms. Keep communication transparent and logged.
Offer parent workshops. Help families understand how and when to raise concerns appropriately.
Back staff publicly. When leaders model boundaries, it empowers teachers to uphold them confidently.
These aren’t barriers; they’re safeguards for healthy communication.
A Final WordAs one of our community members said:
“No one needs hot and cold running teachers.”
That phrase captures it perfectly. Teachers are professionals, not customer service lines. Setting limits on communication is not about closing doors—it’s about ensuring that the people educating our children can do so with energy, compassion, and focus.
So, to that headteacher who asked if they made the right decision: Yes, you absolutely did.
Standing firm in defence of staff wellbeing is leadership in its truest form.
If this topic resonates with you, you may find our webinar helpful:
Leading Without Burnout: Understanding Your Drivers to Manage Stress and Workload Effectively
Let’s continue the conversation in our community. How is your school managing communication boundaries with parents? What’s worked well for you?
