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EDUCATING FOR EXCELLENCE: Choice and Opportunity
The Executive's Response to the National Debate
PUPILS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
WHAT PEOPLE SAID - Many responses were about parents taking more interest in and supporting the school and that schools could value parents more.
- With changing working patterns, many parents are expecting schools to take on a different role.
- Most people support the idea of the New Community Schools.
- Young people want to be listened to more.
KEY COMMENTS MADE - School facilities could be open for longer.
- Communication and partnership between schools and parents could be improved.
- Classes for parents and more support for parents in understanding school structures and processes.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE - Every school is a centre of excellence, bringing together different services to support pupils and their families.
- Every school adopting the New Community School approach.
- More involvement by local community and businesses in school life.
- Continued support and development of Gaelic.
- Support for learning other languages.
- Parents more involved in making decisions about their children's learning and local education.
- Discipline problems and bullying successfully tackled by pupils, teachers, parents and communities working together.
- Better out of school care within the school environment.
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FIRST STEPS FOR ACTION
> Tackle discipline problems and bullying through implementing the recommendations of the Discipline Task Group.
> Increase parental involvement in our schools, including new national guidelines giving parents access and reviewing and reforming the role of Parent Teacher Associations and School Boards.
> Work with parents to improve school attendance.
> Improve communication with parents about education practice and their role in the decision making process.
> Bring information about school education together through a single national website.
> Support schools using websites and email to keep in touch with parents, pupils and the wider community.
> Improve education for children who need additional support for learning, in partnership with their parents and carers.
> Continue the Executive's support for current denominational education.
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