Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

Question 1

Do you agree with the placing of a new duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement ?

"1”, “Yes"

"2”, “Yes"

"3”, “No - there is no need for a new duty.  This is already enshrined in legislation"

"4”, “It is good to encourage parental involvement, forum is a good idea, but why abolish School Board?"

"5”, “Yes"

"6”, “Yes"

"7”, “Yes"

"8”, “Yes"

"9”, “Yes"

"10”, “We do not feel the need for new duty"

"11”, “No, we do not agree with placing a new duty on education authorities.  They already have a duty to inform parents on their plans and this suggestion only adds to the already overwhelming amount of reports that LEAs and schools have to produce and that parents are expected to read."

"12”, “"

"13”, “Parental involvement must be promoted"

"14”, “Yes, providing it complies with the School Board Act 1988"

"15”, “Yes, but seems less effective than present"

"16”, “I agree that Education Authorities should be promoting parental involvement but that it is not a new duty"

"17”, “No - not necessary"

"18”, “No this duty already exists"

"19”, “Yes"

"20”, “Yes but through current School Boards"

"21”, “Been involved with School Boards in both Scotland and England.  Involvement varies greatly"

"22”, “The Education Authority should have a continued duty as do the school staff and parents themselves to promote parental involvement.  Any measurements which may encourage parents to become involved should be undertaken"

"23”, “It is a good idea in principle but parents who are interested in their children's education already are involved and a new bill is unlikely to change this."

"24”, “"

"25”, “Yes"

"26”, “The authorities need only insist upon the formation of a School Board - as they exist now."

"27”, “No existing legislation is adequate"

"28”, “N/A"

"29”, “This was thought to be a good idea because presently parental involvement in school is at the discretion of the Head Teacher and can vary from school to school."

"30”, “No problem with this as long as School Boards retained"

"31”, “"

"32”, “Promoting parental involvement will not be served by the ""Draft Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill 2005"

"33”, “There is sufficient obligation on the Authority and the school already to promote parental involvement"

"34”, “I do not agree with placing a new duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement"

"35”, “No - present system is effective - existing duty should remain"

"36”, “Yes"

"37”, “Yes"

"38”, “Any promotion of parental involvement can only be positive"

"39”, “"

"40”, “Yes
Yes"

"41”, “No"

"42”, “Yes - in the context of School Boards and more generally Local authorities should value the wider involvement of parents as volunteers in schools and other school associations"

"43”, “Yes"

"44”, “Already done - encouraging School Boards"

"45”, “Yes"

"46”, “Yes, but to some extent already exists!"

"47”, “Yes but opens up problems of 'control' . Parents need to be free to speak openly."

"48”, “Yes"

"49”, “"

"50”, “"

"51”, “Have always looked to them to promote parental involvement and happy for them to continue to do so."

"52”, “Yes, the encouragement of parental involvement is important and there should be a duty to do so at all levels of government and management"

"53”, “No - Education Authorities should be supporting School Boards and schools in involving parents.  Community Schools are doing this now."

"54”, “"

"55”, “Yes - strongly"

"56”, “No"

"57”, “No - it will only lead to more paperwork for teachers and no real action"

"58”, “Yes"

"59”, “Yes in theory"

"60”, “No"

"61”, “Yes, but do not accept that this necessitates the abolition of School Boards"

"62”, “"

"63”, “Strengthen what already exists through consultation with local education authority, School Board and possibly PTA"

"64”, “Current system works well - change is unnecessary"

"65”, “"

"66”, “"

"67”, “We agree with the proposal to place such a duty but are concerned that there is no power for the authority to ensure that there are consistent structures and procedures in place across all of its schools that will for all parents' interests to be promoted and protected."

"68”, “No - this is already done on a continuing basis by authorities and by schools"

"69”, “No need for repeal as the existing act could be tweaked in the light of experience.  This would raise its profile and give it flexibility"

"70”, “The majority of Board members felt there was no need to place a new duty on Education Authorities to promote parental involvement"

"71”, “"

"72”, “"

"73”, “"

"74”, “Yes authority should be more proactive in promoting involvement but won't solve all issues."

"75”, “No we believe that the current School Board system works well and just needs some slight adjustments to the election process"

"76”, “Yes"

"77”, “Yes"

"78”, “Yes"

"79”, “Yes, in order to build upon existing strengths such as consultation between local authorities, School Boards, parents and PTAs and PTFAs"

"80”, “I consider that current arrangements to encourage parental involvement are more than adequate.  (our) Council actively encourages this, as do the schools.  Any lack of parental involvement, is more likely due to parent apathy, rather than lack of effort on part of education authority."

"81”, “No because it is my belief that parents will not want to join as under the proposals they will have no real powers."

"82”, “It is felt that Education Authorities already have a duty to promote parental involvement through School Boards and PTAs and that there is nothing new in this proposal."

"83”, “"

"84”, “No reasons why this cannot be done under existing framework"

"85”, “Yes - given the current level of parental apathy when asked to become involved in projects for the greater good of a school - as opposed to the direct benefit of their child - there is a need for some organisation to actively promote parental involvement.  If the Act places a statutory duty on the LA to do this then all the better."

"86”, “Yes - as long as pressure not put on parents to get involved."

"87”, “"

"88”, “Yes - strongly"

"89”, “"

"90”, “"

"91”, “We applaud promotion of parental involvement by the authorities."

"92”, “We, as a school board, representing the views of parents whose children attend (our) school, are unanimously rejecting the new proposal, and are against abolishment of the Scottish School Board 1988 Act."

"93”, “Promoting parental involvement is good."

"94”, “No we feel present system is fine."

"95”, “Yes but we feel that if parents wish to be included they will be already."

"96”, “"

"97”, “Yes - to provide frameworks for each school; - to consider funding means for parents to attend meetings i.e. respite care."

"98”, “Yes, more parental involvement is required."

"99”, “We are satisfied with the parental involvement generated by School Boards."

"100”, “Yes, this needs defined.
Key teams need defined"

"101”, “Yes"

"102”, “We are happy with the existing duty on education authorities as described in The School Board (Scotland) Act 1988."

"103”, “No.  I do not think there is a need to impose a new duty on education authorities.  (Our) Authority has participated in the creation of the School Board Forum which facilitates increased co-operation between school boards & education authorities.  I would prefer to see this encouraged."

"104”, “Yes, but already part of their commitment to SBs."

"105”, “Yes"

"106”, “We agree parental involvement should be promoted, but not in way currently being proposed."

"107”, “No, I don't agree."

"108”, “We believe the Scottish Executive should be responsible for this."

"109”, “Yes"

"110”, “Yes"

"111”, “Will this be good money taken out of the budget which could be better spent directly on teachers or classrooms?  In schools such as ours extra parental involvement will be MINIMAL, so in essence I don't agree.  A little tweaking of the existing school board scheme would suffice ""If it ain't broke, don't fix it !"""

"112”, “"

"113”, “Yes"

"114”, “Yes"

"115”, “Yes, but what practical means are they thinking about."

"116”, “No, I don't see the need - parents can already be involved if they so wish."

"117”, “Yes"

"118”, “No"

"119”, “Partly agree:- Keep school board and have more parental involvement."

"120”, “Yes"

"121”, “Do not see the need to p[lace a new duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement,  There already exists sufficient mechanisms for parental involvement without the need fir this layer."

"122”, “Has this not always been ""the duty"" of education authorities ??
If this is a 'new duty' for education authorities why does the Draft Bill 2005 state ""No involvement for staff representation or community members unless co-opted."""

"123”, “Yes"

"124”, “No"

"125”, “Yes"

"126”, “I was under the impression that education authorities are obliged to promote parental involvement and that the school board was a practical means of doing so."

"127”, “Education authorities already have a duty, they should continue to fulfil it."

"128”, “No"

"129”, “Yes we want more parental involvement but not at the expense of loosing the school board.  We feel that tweaking the current school board act would aid in this."

"130”, “It is acceptable Parental Involvement should be developed but the proposals in the Bill are ill-conceived."

"131”, “Yes"

"132”, “Blank"

"133”, “Yes"

"134”, “Yes"

"135”, “This is not a new duty as education authorities have already been trying to promote parental involvement."

"136”, “Blank"

"137”, “Yes"

"138”, “Yes"

"139”, “No"

"140”, “Yes"

"141”, “Yes"

"142”, “Agree education authorities should promote parental involvement.  Think existing legislation is fine."

"143”, “We do not agree that this should be a statutory duty - more boxes to tick for education authorities."

"144”, “No - Local Authority already involved.  Misleading question."

"145”, “"

"146”, “"

"147”, “Yes, but not by repealing the Act."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “Yes"

"150”, “Yes"

"151”, “Yes, but this already exists within our authority."

"152”, “Yes - within the framework of 'tweaking' the existing School Board (Scotland) Act 1988."

"153”, “Parents should not be forced to become involved.
Education Authority is there to provide education for the children."

"154”, “I agree"

"155”, “Blank"

"156”, “Yes"

"157”, “Yes"

"158”, “Yes, I agree"

"159”, “"

"160”, “No. That duty already exists."

"161”, “Yes"

"162”, “Yes"

"163”, “Yes, provided involvement includes representation."

"164”, “Schools already endeavour to involve parents in school boards and parent teacher associations.  At a time when authorities have budget and resources which are already stretched it seems unnecessary to impose further duties on the local authority when no evidence has been produced to show that such a duty will, in fact, improve parental involvement."

"165”, “Not willing to answer 'loaded' questions about something unnecessary."

"166”, “"

"167”, “Yes, but not necessarily through parent forum proposal"

"168”, “Yes if it ensures an adequate platform for parental involvement"

"169”, “Yes but 2000 Act already gives authorities this power."

"170”, “No the present situation should be tweaked but not changed"

"171”, “Yes"

"172”, “The duty already exists through the School Board.  We would not like to see a lessening of the duty."

"173”, “Yes "

"174”, “Yes authorities should be answerable to parents and others within the community"

"175”, “With their other duties it could end up being lip service only - parental involvement comes better via School Boards"

"176”, “In theory yes - in practice it would probably only work in schools where there is a predominance of 'middle class' parents."

"177”, “No"

"178”, “We approve of anything which improves meaningful parental involvement and consultation that actually takes into account parents' views."

"179”, “Yes"

"180”, “Yes but as part of, and to complement existing legislation, not new legislation."

"181”, “What strengths does this Bill bring to cover any apparent weakness in the current system?  Our Board does not believe there is a need for change."

"182”, “This is a separate issue to that of School Boards and their abolition.  Parental involvement is of course important."

"183”, “Yes we agree that Education Authorities should have a duty to promote parental involvement but feel that this could be implemented through the current system of School Boards and PTAs."

"184”, “No"

"185”, “"

"186”, “Yes"

"187”, “Yes, in principal"

"188”, “Local Authority already doing this."

"189”, “Yes, but document states only ONE parent needed so reducing the number already on school boards."

"190”, “Yes"

"191”, “"

"192”, “No - should be happening already under existing system."

"193”, “Yes - we thought this was already the case."

"194”, “No the EAs already promote parental involvement through HMI inspections."

"195”, “At present parents already feel involved in running of the school but encouraging parental involvement in the right way is always welcome."

"196”, “Not if it limits the opportunities of parents to influence the educational experience of pupils."

"197”, “Yes"

"198”, “Yes parental involvement in their child's education should be encouraged."

"199”, “The present system of School Board/PTA works well, but should the Act become a fact then duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement is acceptable."

"200”, “Yes"

"201”, “No we believe that the current School Board system works well and just needs some slight adjustments to the election process."

"202”, “Yes"

"203”, “Parental involvement should always be promoted.  This can still occur even with School Boards in place."

"204”, “Yes"

"205”, “Yes"

"206”, “Yes - but within context of school boards."

"207”, “Want to Promote parental involvement but WITHIN the context of School Boards."

"208”, “Yes"

"209”, “I think parental involvement through existing school board, PTA, etc is adequate."

"210”, “Yes"

"211”, “Yes"

"212”, “Yes"

"213”, “No.  Parental Involvement should be encouraged but there is no need to set up a new Act to do this.  It is unnecessary for staff and parents to spend valuable time setting up new forums."

"214”, “No"

"215”, “Agree"

"216”, “Yes - but within the existing structure."

"217”, “Yes"

"218”, “Yes, parents could be more involved."

"219”, “Blank"

"220”, “No"

"221”, “Yes"

"222”, “Yes"

"223”, “No we believe that the existing arrangements whereby the local  authority supports the school board and the head teacher sponsors the less formal PTA works well and does not need reconstructing in new legislation.
We are concerned that this bill sees parental involvement as the goal rather than the means to better school governance.  There is very little about school governance in the draft bill."

"224”, “"

"225”, “Yes"

"226”, “No"

"227”, “No"

"228”, “No. (Our) Board are happy with the current format."

"229”, “No, the existing system works well.  If its not broke don't fix it !"

"230”, “Blank"

"231”, “We thought the School Board promoted parental involvement.  Those who wish to be involved."

"232”, “"

"233”, “Yes"

"234”, “Yes.  Parental involvement is very important."

"235”, “The current situation as it is actively promotes parental involvement."

"236”, “No, unworkable."

"237”, “"

"238”, “Education authorities already promote parental involvement by the continuous setting up of new initiatives by parents' officers and consultations by parent forum led by authority staff."

"239”, “No.  I feel that this should come from the Scottish Executive."

"240”, “No - as do not agree the Bill should be implemented."

"241”, “Is it a new duty ?  School Boards have a structure and parents are given opportunities to sit on the board.  Parental Forums give no structure.  What is to stop 4 groups of parents all setting up different Forums at the same school.  It would be better to build on existing School Board framework."

"242”, “What exists is more than ample.  Question is a bit vague.  Cannot force parents / Schools to have a board or a forum but promoting continuously i.e. every 2 years as opposed to 4 years by encourage involvement."

"243”, “Want to retain SB - YES all present agreed.
Yes to parental involvement but what do changes involve and what authority will they have ?
What powers will parent body have ?
Good to have somebody out with education authority involved in selection process.
Depends how each local authority implements SPI's - won't know until it's in place.
No legal status - could cause problems."

"244”, “In theory Yes, but we have doubts about being able to legislate for voluntary participation."

"245”, “Promotion of parental is not only welcome but essential.  The new proposed framework, however, is so ill defined and sketchy that even though it places responsibility and may not effectively increase parental involvement but could damage the current quite successful involvement which currently exists and is extremely supportive of and advantageous to our school."

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “Yes we agree on the principle of more involvement by parents in the school"

"249”, “I believe the Education Authority should promote further parental involvement, but more professionally.  This new system smacks of lots of involvement and very little results."

"250”, “Yes"

"251”, “Yes but this can be achieved without repealing the current School Board Act"

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “This should be happening already"

"255”, “Yes"

"256”, “Yes but manner of promotion must be carefully and responsibly set."

"257”, “Yes"

"258”, “No we would prefer to keep the current situation.  Parental involvement is already in place.  We have interested parents on the Board.  We can see new forums becoming dictatorial, like pressure groups with some parents getting together and trying to take over - confrontational."

"259”, “Agree with principle"

"260”, “Agreed"

"261”, “Yes the promotion of parental involvement would provide useful support to the school.   However how would they assess the effectiveness of their efforts?  (Given that a number of different forms of forums will exist)"

"262”, “Yes but how will it be policed?  Concerned just looks good on paper."

"263”, “Agreed"

"264”, “Yes"

"265”, “Yes"

"266”, “Yes - in order to build upon existing strengths, such as consultation between local authorities, School Boards, parents and PTAs and PTFAs"

"267”, “"

"268”, “"

"269”, “No"

"270”, “No - not a new duty"

"271”, “No"

"272”, “No - however we would however promote parental involvement the initiatives but not as a new duty on the education authority."

"273”, “I agree that encouraging parental involvement in schools is a positive objective."

"274”, “No -Education Authorities cannot force parental involvement and trying to promote this is a massive waste of time and money.  However hard you try there will only ever be a handful of parents in each school who are willing and/or able to help."

"275”, “Any move towards increasing parental involvement is welcome but scrapping the existing system is the wrong way to go about it."

"276”, “No - I feel the current system works and should be left well along.  There are so many other ways that money allocated to this should be spent."

"277”, “No"

"278”, “No.  the present arrangements are satisfactory and allow parents to be involved in the life of the school at a level with which they are comfortable. Some minor adjustments could be made to the existing regulations where specific improvements could be made. (Our) School Board believe that this legislation will not improve matters.  It will only make matters worse.  It would also appear that the response to the consultation is predicted upon a positive reply to the first question.  There appears to be no specific area by which objection to the proposed change can be made."

"279”, “Where the education authority does not actively promote parental involvement the answer would be Yes.  Where the authority work with School Boards then they should not be forced or hindered by new legislation."

"280”, “"

"281”, “"

"282”, “Yes"

"283”, “We would encourage the proactive involvement of education authorities in promotion of parental involvement.  We see little value in imposing a duty that cannot be enforced."

"284”, “Majority (3) stated yes with one of these commenting do not see why change is needed.
Minority (2) stated No with comments - parents who are likely to be involved already are and those who are not will stay that way whatever.  Any extra involvements will be far outweighed by the extra admin work generated."

"285”, “"

"286”, “NB It is the view of (our) school board that these questions are too prescriptive in nature and do not give an opportunity to address some fundamental matters raised by the proposed new bill as drafted.  Please see our response in the additional comments box."

"287”, “No need.  The present system allows parents to contribute to decision making and gives them access to the authority on a wide range of topics."

"288”, “Yes, but not to the detriment of school boards."

"289”, “"

"290”, “"

"291”, “We, as a school board, representing the views of parents whose children attend (our)Primary School, are unanimously rejecting the new proposal, and are against abolishment of the Scottish School Board 1988 Act."

"292”, “"

"293”, “"

"294”, “We agree that a strategy to promote parental involvement prepared by the local education authority would be beneficial and that School Development Plans should state the school's commitment to parental involvement but we would prefer this to taken forward within the current School Boards legislation."

"295”, “I believe that all authorities and those involved in the education of children should be promoting the involvement of parents in their child's development. Therefore, I would agree with this statement but 1 do not see how this new bill addresses this issue."

"296”, “"

"297”, “No.  We should stick with the existing duty on the education authority."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “There is no requirement to place a new duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement.  School Boards and PTAs are currently established and are well placed to facilitate parental involvement in children’s education and the school community.  The current parent bodies are recognised in the school community and have formal constitutions and duties which are currently meeting the needs of children, schools and parents.  Some aspects of the current legislation require to be amended in order to encourage greater parental involvement, such as removing the onerous School Board election process. Amendments to current legislation should be implemented in preference to the expense and considerable resources associated with a complete redrafting.
"

"305”, “"

"306”, “No need for repeal as the existing act cold be tweaked in the light of experience. This would raise its profile and give it flexibility.
"

"307”, “"

"308”, “"

"309”, “"

"310”, “Yes, we consider it a good idea for Education Authorities to have the duty to promote parental involvement in their children's education, both formally as with School Boards and more informally as individuals.
"

"311”, “While in agreement with a duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement, it is felt that such a duty is already in place, and that we need to build on current good practice rather that starting again. There is also concern regarding the extent to which schools will be appropriately resourced to allow such partnership to work effectively.
We have just received an HMI report on our School which commended our School Board for ""providing very effective support to the school"".

"

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “Yes"

"315”, “While some members agreed, some also felt this is unnecessary and a waste of resources."

"316”, “No we do not agree with a new duty on education authorities, as education authorities are already promoting parental involvement. Placing a duty would not necessarily improve current procedures but we do acknowledge that parental involvement must be promoted."

"317”, “Feel this is a misleading question. Education authorities have enough responsibilities at present.  While it is agreed that more parental involvement should be encouraged this could be done by revamping the School Board."

"318”, “Yes in form of PTA"

"319”, “No"

"320”, “Our education authority already promote parental involvement so it is not a new duty"

"321”, “Yes"

"322”, “Yes but will the education authority pay lip service to the duty or will it be properly funded and implemented."

"323”, “We believe that education authorities should promote parental involvement in the education of children using the existing Act."

"324”, “As we have received no direct consultation wit education authorities on this matter we feel unable to comment at this stage."

"325”, “Parental involvement is always desirable however there will always be a high percentage of parents who do not wish to become involved.  With this in mind, I would not want to see Education Authorities becoming too tied up with this when their time would be better spend on other agendas."

"326”, “Yes in principle all concerned parties should be interested in promoting and improving parental involvement."

"327”, “The promotion of parental involvement is to be encouraged but this should be done within the context of the existing legislation.  Thee is little visible evidence of Education Authorities carrying out any meaningful promotion of School Boards at the moment.   Such inactivity might be interpreted as paramount to allowing the School Board movements to 'die off'.  The creation of a new Bill seems to be more a political expedient than a real willingness to retain and improve what currently exists through the Scottish School Board Act."

"328”, “Yes"

"329”, “Yes - on the basis of the authority to provide the means by which they will promote parental involvement."

"330”, “No - fine as it is."

"331”, “"

"332”, “The principle cannot be argued with.  Our education authority actively encourages parental involvement at the moment and no doubt all authorities should do so. Whether the draft Bill would increase the involvement is very doubtful."

"333”, “Thought education authorities already had that duty."

"334”, “Yes!"

"335”, “No"

"336”, “Yes"

"337”, “Yes"

"338”, “Yes"

"339”, “Yes but duty to continue as enshrined in act at the moment."

"340”, “"

"341”, “We agree that a strategy to promote parental involvement prepared by the local education authority would be beneficial and that School Development Plans should state the school's commitment to parental involvement but we would prefer this to be taken forward within the current School Boards legislation."

"342”, “This would undermine the parent/school relationship if the authority steps in and liaises with the parents.  The school has a well-developed relationship with parents & the wider community. Although one Board Member didn't think it would undermine the parent/school relationship."

"343”, “Yes.  Statutory duty is welcome. However, the Local Authority cannot be expected to have a statutory duty imposed on them without the financial back-up to carry this out."

"344”, “Yes"

"345”, “NO - There is no question that greater involvement and participation by parents in their local schools is to be encouraged and welcomed - however we see many impractical issues that have not been considered in placing these new duties on the local Education authority. We believe the draft bill in its current proposed form would only lead to more complexity and cost in the education system and ultimately not address the core issue of greater parent involvement."

"346”, “Agreed"

"347”, “This question seems to presuppose that the current system needs to be changed.  Whilst it is important to promote parental involvement, it is also important to improve the effectiveness of involvement.  Diluting the existing powers of School Boards will not achieve this and will therefore not encourage more parents to get involved."

"348”, “In principle, yes, but not in the way described in the draft Bill i.e. we are strongly opposed to the abolition of School Boards, as embodied in current legislation and replacing them with ""parent forums""."

"349”, “No.  There appears little value in a statutory duty to simply promote parental involvement. It is unnecessary as local authorities & schools welcome parental involvement.
"

"350”, “There is no evidence within the consultation paper on the value that will be gained from adding another new statutory duty on education authorities.  In fact the paper recognised that there are already provisions in the Standards in Scotland's School Act 2000 in terms of parental involvement.
The inference is that there is a widespread failure to involve parents which needs to be addressed through a new bureaucratic procedure. Where is the evidence that this is the case - it was certainly not demonstrated through the George Street Research - even though their sampling was targeted at groups who were most likely to be disenfranchised by current local authority and school consultation practices.
There are now many examples of innovative engagement with parents and the production of 'best practice' materials by the Scottish Executive would be a more positive and constructive approach.  The existing HMIe inspection regime of both individual schools and authorities pays particular attention to ethos, partnership working and liaison with parents, and equally importantly, the wider community.  Any deficiencies in engagement would be highlighted by the HMIe and addressed through the subsequent improvement agenda.
"

"351”, “"

"352”, “"

"353”, “"

"354”, “The assumption is all schools do need to improve parental involvement.  However with a successful school board , an active PTA and supportive parents we feel that we already have a good representational parental involvement.  100% commitment will never be achieved due to various reasons i.e. : working parents
 Etc.  Many parents stay in the background as they wish - but are still supportive.  Input by the education authority should only be where schools / parents request it and then should be in a supportive, positive and non- confrontational way.
"

"355”, “Yes, this is a good idea but does not need repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1998 to accomplish it.  There does not seem to be any general feeling or evidence presented to call for this repeal.  Seeking greater parental involvement might be achieved by using a less daunting name, such as Parent Forum but we believe the formal rights and obligations of the 1988 act should apply to these new set-ups, if they are to be truly effective.  We believe the new parent forums should be grown out of the existing PTAs and Boards and the local authorities monitoring of the new organisation's communication with parents could bring a quicker and wider parental involvement than starting from scratch with a new act.  Throughout these answers we wish to record our opposition to repealing the 1988 Act and believe change should be achieved by amending the 1988 Act to convert School Boards to Parent Forums with the same rights and obligations with adjustments and amendments to their constitution."

"356”, “"

"357”, “No because we understood they already have this duty."

"358”, “Yes, but at issue is what type of parental involvement they should have a duty to promote.  Promoting the involvement of parents in a representative body (whether it be School Board or Parent Forum) is fine, and I would suggest they should have a duty to disseminate ideas and ""best practice"" to help ensure School Boards are as effective and representative as possible).

In addition, however, Education Authorities should have a duty to promote parental involvement within the home (in terms of valuing education, etc) since the evidence suggests that it is this type of involvement which affects children's educational attainment/achievement.
"

"359”, “"

"360”, “In (our Region) this already exists."

"361”, “- Should be happening anyway and is within (our Region).
- (Our) Council do arrange training sessions.
"

"362”, “ NO"

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “No"

"367”, “"

"368”, “"

"369”, “No"

"370”, “Yes - parental involvement is extremely important."

"371”, “No (our) Council already actively promoted parental involvement.  (Our) High school has an active School Board and PTA.  There is also an ethnic minority parent group that meet regularly.  There is parental involvement through formal parent evenings.  (Our) Council uses parents on attendance councils and for placing requests.  As training is involved Board members are a fantastic resource."

"372”, “Parental involvement should be part of the duties in any case."

"373”, “Agree with the necessity for promotion of parental involvement.  However, question the need for a ""new duty""."

"374”, “Yes - build on good practice, structured format for parents and schools and provided schools are resourced to do so."

"375”, “No - currently promoting involvement is already core practice in education authorities."

"376”, “We think that it is very important to involve parents."

"377”, “Yes - we feel that the education authority does have a duty to re-access the way in which the ""School Board system"" presently functions and bring it forward into the 21st century by encouraging parental involvement."

"378”, “Yes - if properly enacted."

"379”, “Yes - statutory duty is welcome.  However, the LA cannot be expected to have a statutory duty imposed on them without the financial back up to carry this out."

"380”, “Education Authorities already have a continuing duty to promote parental involvement where it is important to review current procedures regularly.  We do not recognise the need to abandon all current arrangements, some of which are working well."

"381”, “Yes and No - Yes - parental involvement in education should be promoted and given enhanced importance but School Board already achieve this to an extent.  It would mean an increased workload for already stretched education authorities with limited resources and the benefits may be limited if parental participation is poor."

"382”, “Yes - but why can't this take place as an adjustment to the existing arrangements."

"383”, “It is important that the education authority consult with parents before preparing strategies for parental involvement as to how it will be implemented.  Yes - the education authorities should have a duty to promote parental involvement.  NB - parents may need to be convinced that they need to be more involved."

"384”, “Yes"

"385”, “Consultation with parents if fine, however I feel the same parents will probably be the ones who already put themselves forward."

"386”, “There is not a lot wrong with the way things are at the moment.  Parents will become involved if they want to."

"387”, “Anything that encourages parental involvement has to be encouraged."

"388”, “Have already - why change?"

"389”, “Yes - promote parental involvement but at a level that can be administrated."

"390”, “Not instead of School Boards however some authorities may be able to inspire/have innovative ways of increasing parental involvement and to have this activity in addition to School Board would be beneficial."

"391”, “Yes"

"392”, “Yes I think education authorities are currently not promoting parental involvement to any great extent.  Some of them need statutory instruction to do so."

"393”, “No"

"394”, “The authority already does this."

"395”, “No - the present authority already does this."

"396”, “Authority already does this.  Not sure that parental forums will increase this."

"397”, “Parental involvement already exists via School Board."

"398”, “Parents have high priority in our Authority so I don't think there is any need to place a new duty on Education Authorities.  It is already happening."

"399”, “No "

"400”, “No"

"401”, “No"

"402”, “Yes - this should provide both clarity re the functions or purpose of this and the structure/s to fulfil the specified functions."

"403”, “"

"404”, “The Board agrees that it would be helpful for education authorities to have a new duty to promote parental involvement placed on them.  Such a duty could of course be fulfilled in many ways, for example by retaining the existing system of School Boards.  The Board does not think the draft Bill spells out clearly enough how such a duty should be fulfilled nor how its fulfilment should be evaluated."

"405”, “This Duty is already in place for education authorities and school boards to endeavour to promote and improve their schools.  Accordingly, it is considered that it is not appropriate to repeal of the School Boards Act to allow this to be undertaken
"

"406”, “Yes"

"407”, “Yes, we agree that LEA's should have a duty to promote parental involvement in their child's education.
We would also extend this to schools and teachers. We also agree with LEA's having a duty to promote and support a system of parental representation within schools.
"

"408”, “"

"409”, “No.  Authorities already do this in regard to School Boards and do so effectively and efficiently.  Nothing suggested here will enhance what is already being done."

"410”, “"

"411”, “"

"412”, “"

"413”, “"

"414”, “Blank"

"415”, “"

"416”, “"

"417”, “"

"418”, “"

"419”, “No. We are perhaps fortunate in (our Region) that our local authority is supportive of parental involvement and holds regular and very useful ""directors briefings"" for School Board members.  We do not consider that new legislation is necessary."

"420”, “"

"421”, “"

"422”, “"

"423”, “No. The Scottish Executive research concluded that parents of children of preschool and primary school
 age are involved in the education of their children. There is not a need for further intervention by the
 local authority in these areas.

 The research identifies that as young children become older and more independent they tend to distance
 their parents from school work. There are likely to be a range of issues which result in a lesser degree of
 involvement by parents in the education of their children and this should be explored further before any
 such changes or new additional methods are proposed. The proposed changes in the consultation bill do
 not appear to consider the important role that young people could play, firstly within the proposed
 parental bodies and secondly in increasing parents involvement in education

 The proposed draft bill does not take into account the current legislative responsibility of School Boards
 to encourage parental involvement in education and to act as a partnership in the good management of
 schools."

"424”, “Yes of course but this duty should enhance rather than replace the current structure"

"425”, “"

"426”, “A misleading question though we do feel that there is enough on the go at the moment for our Education  Authorities.
However, we believe that it is necessary to improve parental involvement via a revamp of our School Board arrangements.  It is the Election procedure that is most off-putting for parents so perhaps election material could be made available via your own school instead of the Council."

"427”, “We agree that this duty is important, but feel that it is already part of the existing legislation since one function of School Boards is to encourage interaction with parents.
"

"428”, “There is no evidence within the consultation paper on the value that will be gained from adding another new statutory duty on education authorities.  In fact the paper recognized that there are already provisions in the Standards in Scotland's School Act 2000 in terms of parental involvement.
The inference is that there is a widespread failure to involve parents which needs to be addressed through a new bureaucratic procedure.  Where is the evidence that this is the case - it was certainly not demonstrated through the George Street Research - even though their sampling was targeted at groups who were most likely to be disenfranchised by current local authority and school consultation practices.  There are now many examples of innovative engagement with parents and the production of 'best practice' materials by the Scottish Executive would be a more positive and constructive approach.  The existing HMIe inspection regime of both individual schools and authorities pays particular attention to ethos, partnership working and liaison with parents, and equally importantly, the wider community.  Any deficiencies in engagement would be highlighted by the HMIe and addressed through the subsequent improvement agenda.
"

"429”, “In principle, the Board agrees, subject to the Scottish Executive's providing a limit on how much each authority should spend on promotion each year. The Board would wish a statement from the Executive making clear how more parents would be involved."

"430”, “In general the answer to this question is yes.  However it is considered that the term 'Parental involvement' needs definition.  Parent Forums should not be able to assume that 'involvement' means 'interference'."

"431”, “Yes, certainly.  We would expect every responsible, capable, Education Authority to be aware of research trends - provided they are adequately funded. Several studies seem to show numerous benefits to children's' education from closer parental involvement, which is in accord with common sense.  Therefore it is desirable and sensible for education authorities to act in whatever ways are open to them to promote parental involvement."

"432”, “Why is this being regarded as a new duty when it is mentioned in the 2000 Act, and why does this require the repealing of the School Boards Act?  We agree that the Education Authority should have a duty to promote parental involvement, but hasn't this always been the case?"

"433”, “Yes but duty to continue as enshrined in act at the moment"

"434”, “Under section 5(2) of the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000, an education authority has a duty to prepare and publish an annual statement of educational improvement objectives.  This statement shall include an account of the ways in which the authority will seek to involve parents in promoting the education of their children.

It is difficult therefore to describe the ""duty"" referred to in section 1 of the draft bill as a ""new duty"" in this context.  Most parents already have the opportunity to become involved with the school through a variety of mediums, from attendance at parent/teacher conferences to involvement in Parent Teachers Associations (""PTAs"").  To this extent, therefore, section 1 of the draft bill is no more than a reinstatement of an existing duty of the education authority to promote interaction with parents at an individual level.

If section 1 is intended to go beyond this and engage parents in a way similar to those involved in School Boards, then the legislation should be re-drafted to reflect the fundamental distinction between
(i) the duty to promote parental involvement in schools, and
(ii) the duty to promote parental involvement in the management or direction of schools.

The opportunity to become involved in the management of schools is currently only available through membership of the School Board.

The distinction between these two duties is important because it currently helps to define
(i) the relationship between an individual parent and the authorities on the one hand, and
(ii) the School Board and the authorities on the other.
It also determines the remit of the School Board when engaging with the education authority and the scope of issues, which can be debated.

From the perspective of the individual parent, the duty owed by the education authority should focus on the interests of the pupil concerned.  However, when looking at the duties owed to parents as members of a School Board, the focus should be on general issues of policy, rather than on individual agendas.  This is emphasised in the School Board's Members Handbook produced by the Scottish Executive which states:-
""Boards should not discuss any individual members of staff, either former or current, or any individual pupil at the school. To do so would be inappropriate as meetings are open to the public.""

Section 1 of the draft bill does not make this key distinction.  It places a duty on the education authority to promote the involvement of parents of ""a pupil"" in attendance at a public school in education.  This could suggest that the education authority will engage with parents on a new parent forum at an individual level rather than a collective one.  This would therefore represent a departure from the more strategic role, which Schools Boards currently exercise.

If section 1 is to be the foundation upon which education authorities will interact with parent forums, there is a danger that self-interest and individual concerns may dominate the agenda. This would clearly run counter to the policy objective of the proposed reform and rather than foster inclusiveness could militate against wider parental involvement.
"

"435”, “Yes, provided parental opinion in the form of Parents/School Boards/PTAs' commentary on the nature of such duties is sought by the Scottish Executive members responsible for drawing up such new duties and found to be agreeable by these same groups (Parents/School Boards/PTAs)."

"436”, “Yes, but only if this doesn't mean repealing the 1988 Act."

"437”, “Agreed"

"438”, “1.1 We do not believe that there is a need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) act.
1.2 We think that the existing arrangements are generally satisfactory & that they could be improved by minor amendments.
"

"439”, “Yes.  There is a need for a new duty on education authorities to promote parental involvement.  Parents are currently involved in school boards, PTAs and school association all working to promote parental involvement however if School Boards are disbanded the authorities must take on the duty to promote new forums.  Schools themselves need to continue work within the school and community to get parents involved."

"440”, “Yes.  We believe that under present legislation, the School Board Scotland Act requires the promotion of parental involvement and this duty should continue."

"441”, “Yes"

"442”, “Yes"

"443”, “"

"444”, “"

"445”, “"

"446”, “Yes"

"447”, “Yes - some promotion of the importance of involvement would be helpful."

"448”, “"

"449”, “Yes, but they already do."

"450”, “Yes, we do agree there should be more involvement."

"451”, “No"

"452”, “"

"453”, “No"

"454”, “Yes"

"455”, “"

"456”, “"

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “Yes"

"459”, “Yes"

"460”, “No, it is a reinforcement of what is in place already."

"461”, “Yes, though any decent authority would be there already."

"462”, “Yes - need the ...angulations.. of parent / pupil / school to ensure attainment and the creation of a genuine community school."

"463”, “Why is the duty to promote parental involvement not already part of the remit of education authorities already ?"

"464”, “Yes, good encourage parental involvement, however no need to abolish Act."

"465”, “Yes, but 2000 Act already gives this power."

"466”, “Yes"

"467”, “Yes"

"468”, “This is already done .  It should be done in all Education Authorities - (the Minister) should sort out them, not school boards."

"469”, “Yes"

"470”, “Yes"

"471”, “We believe the education authority currently promotes parental involvement."

"472”, “Yes - also with the backing of the Executive to encourage parental involvement but the abolition of school boards will damage this."

"473”, “Yes"

"474”, “There is no requirement for a new duty on education authorities as existing ""duty"" via School Board, PTA, and voluntary helpers is more than adequate."

"475”, “No, we feel that existing arrangements are satisfactory in (our Region)."

"476”, “Yes, the promotion of parental involvement would provide useful support to the school.  However - how would they assess the effectiveness of their efforts ?  (Given that a number of different forms will exist.)"

"477”, “Yes"

"478”, “We agree in principal.  However the changes proposed in the draft bill do not seem to foster this objective by removing the legal requirement for a board / forum and by effectively removing parental involvement in the school management."

"479”, “Yes, but the new parent forums only seem to need one parent, where as school boards need a majority of parents."

"480”, “It is to be hoped that that is already being done by the education authority and schools."

"481”, “Currently, school boards are elected by parents to represent parents.  This is completely different from involving parents in their children’s education.  In ED already recognised as important."

"482”, “As education is a two way process between home and school, I believe it has always been an education authority's and an individual schools duty to encourage parents to be involved in their children's education."

"483”, “Yes, in general."

"484”, “Promoting parental involvement has to be a good thing but why can that not be achieved by improvements to the present provisions targeted to that end ?"

"485”, “There would  already seem to be an authority duty - don't see how new duty will improve relationship."

Parent Forums - Draft Bill