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Home-School Communication: Class Dojo

 

Guidance and Expectations

1. Introduction

1.1 From November 2025, Nelson Primary School will use ClassDojo as a secure and interactive platform to celebrate learning, strengthen home–school communication, and promote positive behaviour in line with our Nelson 3 Cs values: Compassionate, Capable and Community.

1.2 ClassDojo is a free app that works on any iOS, Android, or web browser. Parents and carers can read Class Story posts in their preferred language, making communication inclusive and accessible to all families in our diverse community.

1.3 This policy sets out how ClassDojo will be used by staff and parents/carers to ensure it remains a safe, positive, and purposeful tool that enhances our partnership with families.

1.4 The policy will be reviewed annually to reflect feedback from staff and families and to ensure continued alignment with our school’s vision and safeguarding principles.

1.5 ClassDojo complies with GDPR. Parents/carers give consent for their child’s data to be processed when completing the school’s data consent form. All information is private between school and families, never shared with third parties, and permanently deleted when accounts close.

2. How ClassDojo Works at Nelson

2.1 ClassDojo is our school’s online platform for sharing class news, achievements, and whole-school updates. It functions much like a secure private social feed — simple, visual, and family-friendly.

2.2 Parents/carers receive an invite code that connects them directly to their child’s class account. ClassDojo is used across the school, from Nursery  to Year 6.

2.3 Teachers will post reminders, class updates, celebration posts, and photos linked to learning or events.

2.4 ClassDojo at Nelson has three main features:

  • Dojo Badges – Pupils earn badges to recognise progress and achievement, and for demonstrating our school values and positive behaviours.

  • Class Story – A space for class-specific news, learning celebrations, and reminders.

  • School Story – Whole-school news, photos, and community updates posted by our headteacher and senior leadership team.

3. Parents and Carers

3.1 ClassDojo is only for families currently registered at Nelson Primary School. Parents/carers are asked not to copy, screenshot, or share any images, posts, or information from ClassDojo on other social media platforms. What is shared in Dojo stays in Dojo. Breaches may result in account suspension.

3.2 Only parents or legal guardians will be provided with access codes. 

3.3 Parents/carers can view their child’s badges and class feed. They may “like” posts to celebrate achievements.

3.4 Direct messaging between parents and teachers is disabled. Teachers will not reply to private messages. Communication should continue through the school office or the child’s reading record.

3.5 If parents/carers do not wish their child’s photo, video, or work to appear on ClassDojo, they must inform the school office.

3.6 Parents/carers must not download, share, or repost any photos, videos, or work samples from ClassDojo elsewhere online. This is a privacy breach and will be addressed in line with our safeguarding procedures.

3.7 ClassDojo is intended for celebrating learning and sharing school life — not for comparing children’s progress or work.

3.8 The frequency of posts will vary depending on class activities, events, and curriculum focus. Some weeks may be busier than others, and this will differ across year groups.

4. Teachers and Staff

4.1 ClassDojo posts should reflect our school values and celebrate learning across the curriculum. Staff should post during working hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday–Friday) only.

4.2 Teachers are encouraged to share reminders (PE days, trips, assemblies, homework), achievements, and photos that promote class and school life in a positive light.

4.3 Teachers will use first names only when posting about pupils. Where more than one child has the same first name, the first initial of the surname may be added.

4.4 Staff must ensure they are aware of which pupils cannot have their image shared. No posts should include pupils without the appropriate permissions recorded in the school office.

4.5 Sensitive or private matters must never be posted publicly. These should be communicated through normal channels (in person, by phone, or through the school office).

4.6 Staff must not share ClassDojo content on personal social media accounts.

4.7 It is not expected that staff install the app on personal devices. Those who choose to do so must ensure notifications do not interfere with personal time. Quiet hours will be enabled automatically, meaning messages cannot be viewed or responded to outside of school hours.

4.8 Teachers, parents, and carers agree to follow this policy and the Nelson Staff Code of Conduct. Any misuse of the platform will be reviewed by the Headteacher and may lead to access being removed.

4.9 Nelson Primary School does not endorse or require staff or parents to pay for any optional or premium ClassDojo features. The free version provides everything needed for our purposes.

5. Safeguarding and Conduct

All ClassDojo use must uphold our school’s safeguarding principles:

  • Only authorised staff will manage and moderate posts.

  • All communication must be professional, appropriate, and child-centred.

  • Any safeguarding concerns raised through ClassDojo (e.g. inappropriate comments or worrying content) must be screenshot and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

Reviewed: November 2025
Next Review: November 2026
Approved by: Senior Leadership Team