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Promoting parents' role in education
15/08/2007
Parent power is high on the agenda in schools throughout Scotland thanks to the launch of Parent Councils.
The councils, which replace school boards, are designed to make it easier for more parents to get more involved with their children's school.
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:
"We know that parents have a huge influence on their children's prospects and children whose parents are involved in their education will perform better. Learning begins at home and parents' ability to make a difference to children's learning continues as they grow up.
"That's why it's crucial that we get more parents, more involved which is the principal aim of Parent Councils.
"I hope all parents - from former school board members to those who are less frequent visitors to school - will seize this chance to get involved and find ways to help their children get the most from their education."
Parent Council information packs will be distributed to schools from Monday, August 20. The packs, designed to help parents and schools establish their council, will also be available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/publications
Parent Councils were introduced as part of the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 and replace school boards. The main functions of a Parent Council are:
- To support the school in its work with pupils and parents
- Represent parents' views
- Promote contact and communication between the school, parents, pupils, community and nursery
- Report back to all parents
Schools do not have to have a Parent Council and the format of a council is decided by parents. A school can have a Parent Teacher Association as well as a Parent Council.
Most local authorities are expecting to have at least the same number of Parent Councils as they had school boards, with more than half expecting to have more.