Councillors to consider refreshed Parental Engagement Strategy
A refreshed strategy aimed at strengthening how Falkirk Council engages with parents and carers across Education Services will be considered by councillors later this month.
The proposed Parental Engagement Strategy 2026-2029 sets out how Education Services plans to improve communication, increase opportunities for involvement and support families to play a more active role in children’s learning and school life.
The strategy has been developed following engagement with parents, Parent Councils and staff alongside consideration of wider feedback gathered through recent consultations relating to communication and engagement across the service.
It reflects both national guidance and local priorities, with a stronger focus on practical actions, accountability and continuous engagement over the next three years.
The refreshed strategy includes commitments to:
- develop and implement a new Parental Engagement Action Plan with clear actions, success measures and ongoing monitoring
- strengthen communication and consultation with parents across Education Services
- improve support and guidance for Parent Councils and continue investment in Connect membership for all Parent Councils
- expand opportunities for family learning and support parents with learning at home
- encourage and support more parent volunteering in schools
- improve consistency across schools and services by sharing good practice and guidance
- continue gathering parental feedback to help shape future improvements and service delivery.
The strategy also places greater emphasis on moving beyond one-off consultation towards ongoing engagement with parents and carers throughout the life of the strategy.
As part of this work, a new Communication and Engagement Framework will be introduced to develop opportunities for parents to contribute to school improvement and wider service development.
The strategy additionally commits to strengthening parental engagement in early years settings, despite these not being formally covered under the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006.
Jon Reid, Director of Education, said:
Parents and carers make an important contribution to children and young people’s education, wellbeing and wider development.
“This refreshed strategy sets out how we will continue to strengthen relationships between families, schools and Education Services over the next three years.
“We know that effective parental engagement is about more than attending school events. It is about building strong relationships, improving communication and supporting families to engage confidently in their child’s learning both at school and at home.
“The strategy introduces clearer actions and monitoring arrangements, while also recognising the importance of continuing to listen to parents and work alongside them to improve services.
If approved, the strategy will run from August 2026 until summer 2029. Progress will be monitored through a new action plan, with reporting to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee during the lifetime of the strategy.
The report will be considered by members at the Executive meeting on 18 June 2026.