This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Schools welcome 'parents as partners'
13/09/2006
The new Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act, passed in May 2006, is now in force, aiming to give parents a stronger voice and get more parents more involved in their child's education and school life.
The Act makes it a priority for education authorities and schools to support parents by giving them information on how to help their child's learning at home and provide them with opportunities to contribute to the life of the school.
The new law also means that parents are automatically a member of the parent forum at their child's school, allowing them to get involved in setting up new parent councils to replace the current system of school boards in August 2007.
Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said:
"We want children to get the most from their education and we know that to achieve this parents need to get involved. We want to build on the good work and strong relationships that already exists, so that even more parents feel welcome in school."
"The new law is really a once in a generation chance to take a fresh look at how parents are involved in their children's learning and education. This is their chance to make their voices heard and set up systems that will really make a difference to their children's school and their children's education.
"We are publishing guidance on what the new law is about and a toolkit of practical resources to help parents and local authorities work in partnership to make it easier for parents to be involved in their children's education."