PARENT FORUM AND PARENT COUNCIL

Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 led to the establishment of Parent Councils in primary, secondary and special schools.  The Act recognises the vital role that parents play in supporting their children’s learning.  It places a duty on authorities to promote the involvement of parents in children’s education and the wider life of the school.  It aims to help parents to be:

• Involved with their child’s education and learning
• Welcomed as an active participant in the life of the school
• Encouraged to express their views on school education generally

When there is a vacancy in the Parent Council the Chair Person will write to all parents who are eligible for election to ask for a volunteer.  If there are more volunteers than vacancies on the Council an election will be called.  Each candidate will be asked to provide a statement which will be sent out to all parents and an election will be held at a specified date and time.  The parents will be informed of the result.

The Parent Council, as a statutory body, has the right to information and advice on matters which affect children’s education.

Parents who are involved on a regular basis in schools should undertake an enhanced disclosure through Disclosure Scotland.