Parental Involvement Act
The new Parental Involvement Act was brought into force in September 2006.
All evidence shows that when parents are involved in supporting their child’s education, children do better. The new Act is a key step in improving parental involvement in their child’s education. It builds on the good work that has already been done by parents, schools, School Boards, the PTA/PA and other groups.
The act has three key themes:
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learning at home
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home/school partnership
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parental representation (new Parent Councils)
Parent Forums
All parents are now automatically members of the Parent Forum at their child’s school. As a member of the Parent Forum you will be encouraged to support events and activities at the school, get involved in your child’s learning and be consulted on or take part in setting up the school’s Parent Council. From 1 August 2007, the Parent Council will represent the views of all parents and School Boards will cease to exist.
The new legislation and how it affects parents
Falkirk Council has already held eight roadshows for School Board and PTA/PA members to explain the new legislation to them. Many are willing to help with the set up of the new Parent Councils and wish to involve all parents in this process.
The presentation given at the roadshow can be viewed/downloaded here| (PDF format).
The FAQs asked at the Roadshows can be viewed here|.
The Scottish Executive has produced a toolkit and guidance to support schools and parents with information about the new legislation. The toolkit and guidance can be downloaded by following the Related Links on this page.
Finding out more and getting involved
If you would like to be involved in setting up the new Parent Council for your school, contact your headteacher, current School Board or PTA/PA chair or the Parental Involvement Team at Falkirk Council Education Services on (01324) 506600. If you would like to see what progress has been made by your child’s school follow this link to information about Parent Councils|.
For more information on the Act you can visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk|.
Parents are the first and ongoing educators of their children and this new Act gives us a fresh opportunity for all parents and schools to work together to help children reach their full potential. To help parents get involved we are currently working on a Parental Involvement Strategy.
The Scottish Executive has produced a series of 12 ‘Making the Difference’ leaflets to support parents to help with their child’s learning, for example a leaflet on supporting homework. These leaflets can be downloaded from the Making the Difference| page.
For further ideas on helping your child with homework – visit the Falkirk Virtual Teacher’s centre at www.falkirkvtc.org.uk|.