This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Parents get greater say in headteacher selection
23/11/2005
Parents are to become more involved in appointing headteachers and deputes, under plans announced today.
Headteacher recruitment procedures will be updated and made more rigorous so that parents are involved at all stages.
Under the plans, parents would be:
- Consulted on the advertising strategy and job description
- Involved in the short and long-listing process
- Involved in the final interview/assessment stage
At the moment, parents are actively involved only at the final interview stage.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"Leadership and vision are a crucial part of ambitious, excellent schools. That's why it's vital that each school has the best possible headteacher at the helm - the person who is right for that school and its pupils, and who can make a real difference to their lives.
"Parents' views are vital and I want to strengthen their role in the recruitment process by giving them the opportunity to get involved at all stages of the selection process. This means they will be able to make a more meaningful contribution to these vital appointments."
The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill was published in September and is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament.
The consultation on headteacher appointments begins today and runs until the end of February 2006.