Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

Question 3

Do you agree that incorporating these Strategies in existing Annual Statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans (as set out in the 2000 Act) is the right way for education authorities to set out their intentions ? Or should this be done in some other way?

"1”, “Yes "

"2”, “Yes"

"3”, “Yes"

"4”, “Think they need a balance - would be concerned about not having a Board"

"5”, “Yes - but could use local press to promote what they are doing"

"6”, “Yes"

"7”, “No - not parent friendly!  Too much information - won't be read.  Developed an SPI which could be presented in an informal parents evening"

"8”, “Yes"

"9”, “Yes, agree"

"10”, “"

"11”, “No the existing Annual Statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans are quite sufficient for encouraging parental involvement."

"12”, “"

"13”, “Should be set out as a separate item - too much information won't be read"

"14”, “Yes"

"15”, “No, do in some other way"

"16”, “Yes"

"17”, “Yes - as per 2000 Act"

"18”, “Agree as set out in 2000 Act"

"19”, “Yes in principle but not if you are using this to disband our current legislation"

"20”, “It is certainly one way but does this plan mean much to the parents the new legislation is looking to attract"

"21”, “Not sure"

"22”, “Yes"

"23”, “In the act and as an individual document relevant to the stage in education"

"24”, “"

"25”, “No"

"26”, “Any strategies must be stated but if a community chooses not to get involved it should be allowed to do as it wishes - not follow the strategy blindly."

"27”, “It should be left as it is - it works fine."

"28”, “N/A"

"29”, “Concern was raised as to how this information would be imparted to parents.  Would it involve the schools in yet more paperwork, therefore becoming a time and resources issue."

"30”, “Yes"

"31”, “"

"32”, “These would be adequate"

"33”, “Continue with the 2000 Act"

"34”, “No - not sure how this could be done differently"

"35”, “Present system is effective"

"36”, “yes"

"37”, “Yes"

"38”, “Yes"

"39”, “"

"40”, “Yes"

"41”, “(a) Do not agree.  (b)  Through the Boards to the parents"

"42”, “Yes - as long as it does not involve a lengthy bureaucratic process"

"43”, “Yes"

"44”, “Yes.  Not another way"

"45”, “No the education authority strategy should be discussed by the 'parent forum' and staff in partnership so that together they can work out how the strategies will be implemented at school level"

"46”, “Cannot really comment, much will depend on the nature and value of the data provided."

"47”, “No - it should be done independently, being parental choice"

"48”, “Yes"

"49”, “"

"50”, “"

"51”, “The majority of parents and staff pay no attention to these documents therefore some other way must be found."

"52”, “Possibly - the School Board Act should be revised and the modernised remit clearly set out in the new legislation.  It seems unnecessary to impose a new system on Education Authorities, schools and parents when the improvement of existing systems and legislation would be a simpler, cheaper and more effective way of achieving this aim.  The present School Board system is basically sound with many good points although it would benefit from modification and modernisation.  Polices to promote and support parental involvement in School Boards with clear allocation of resources in the Education Improvement Objectives and School Development plans should reflect this."

"53”, “We believe hat incorporating these strategies in School Development plans may be better.  It would at least be in every school if required to see it."

"54”, “"

"55”, “Yes"

"56”, “No"

"57”, “Stick with what you have"

"58”, “Yes"

"59”, “Would be better if education authority came out to the school to discuss"

"60”, “No"

"61”, “Yes, these should be incorporated in this way."

"62”, “"

"63”, “Disagree"

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

"65”, “"

"66”, “"

"67”, “It is one means but much will depend upon how such strategies are operationalised and communicated to the parent body.  The authority in Renfrewshire has made a strategic attempt to communicate its educational policies to parents involved in School Boards through the work of its School Support Officer and its School Board network"

"68”, “The existing system should be retained"

"69”, “As we did not want extra strategies this question is superfluous."

"70”, “The Board broadly agreed with incorporating strategies in existing annual statements."

"71”, “"

"72”, “"

"73”, “"

"74”, “No I think it should be a separate document aimed at both parents, teachers and the authority"

"75”, “Do not agree with parent forum"

"76”, “Yes to first part"

"77”, “Yes"

"78”, “Yes"

"79”, “Yes as is already the case for improvements and changes but we would like to see clear mechanisms for communication of this to parents and in plain English"

"80”, “No. Education Authorities currently have robust systems in place to plan, develop and improve the provision of education - monitored by HMI"

"81”, “Would rather see them incorporated into existing legislation than brought out as new strategies."

"82”, “School Development plans should be the domain of the School and be about planning Educational Developments in the school as opposed to looking at parental involvement."

"83”, “"

"84”, “Should be done in existing annual statements"

"85”, “Yes - it is important that all stakeholders have access to information on how the strategy has been implemented and how its progress has been measured and success to date."

"86”, “Yes but also do separately by the school making it more parent friendly"

"87”, “"

"88”, “Yes - given our answer to question 2 (The education authorities should establish a statutory framework for the local authority to work within and provide robust structure and guidance for full parent consultation)"

"89”, “"

"90”, “"

"91”, “No authorities should keep parents appraised of progress, achievements, etc in an understandable format, not necessarily as 'strategy'."

"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”, “Yes, we agree."

"94”, “Could only correct if we knew what intentions were."

"95”, “Not relevant"

"96”, “"

"97”, “Yes this seems a logical route - but new ways could be promoted through schools."

"98”, “Yes"

"99”, “No"

"100”, “Are there any other ways ?"

"101”, “Yes"

"102”, “Yes"

"103”, “No.  I see this as more policy statements rather than effective action that shows parents making a contribution to raising standards."

"104”, “Blank"

"105”, “Yes"

"106”, “Maybe in a more ""parent - friendly"" way ?"

"107”, “Blank"

"108”, “It should be done in some other way."

"109”, “Basic agreement but should have further consultation between school and parents, e.g. open evening sharing information, ideas."

"110”, “Yes, but in addition to informing School Boards directly."

"111”, “Schools should not be penalised if uptake or involvement of Parental Involvement is minimal or nil in some cases.  This should be a separate issue from EIO & SDP's"

"112”, “"

"113”, “Agree"

"114”, “Yes"

"115”, “Yes, so that it can be incorporated into the schools general plans for improvement."

"116”, “Yes, if they have to be incorporated."

"117”, “Yes, because that way will allow monitoring and feedback."

"118”, “Yes"

"119”, “The school board and teachers have worked well.  Maybe some modernisation."

"120”, “Not required"

"121”, “This would not appear to offer any advantage or benefit since a statement of intent does not equate to commitment there is no sanction of redress, if the strategy is not achieved."

"122”, “N / A see above ( No strategies that are in place are sufficient. )"

"123”, “Yes, with the authority being much involved in informing the parents as opposed to only the school."

"124”, “Yes"

"125”, “Yes"

"126”, “Annual statements as set out in the 2000 Act I agree with but the inclusion of the other strategies which are required if the school boards are dispensed with is a diversion from the real work of the annual statements."

"127”, “No need for new strategies."

"128”, “No"

"129”, “Yes, it is part of the way as long as it is clearly laid out and understood by all people involved with education.  It needs a more open outlook on how to ensure all schools are provided for with volunteers committed to the ethos, keeping records, etc."

"130”, “This is not seen as an issue of great relevance."

"131”, “We would want to see admin kept to a minimum.
We think inclusion in School Development Plan is enough."

"132”, “Blank"

"133”, “If the strategies are forced in this may work and I would agree."

"134”, “Yes"

"135”, “Yes to existing School Development Plans."

"136”, “Blank"

"137”, “Yes"

"138”, “Yes"

"139”, “N / A"

"140”, “Already being done."

"141”, “We agree"

"142”, “Existing strategies seem to work."

"143”, “No"

"144”, “No"

"145”, “"

"146”, “"

"147”, “These should be done completely separately."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “Yes"

"150”, “Yes - more personal and targeted."

"151”, “Yes, we feel there should be a more simplified way."

"152”, “Yes"

"153”, “Education should be set oot to teach the basic 3 'R's.
Let teachers teach."

"154”, “I agree"

"155”, “Blank"

"156”, “Yes"

"157”, “Yes"

"158”, “Yes, I agree"

"159”, “"

"160”, “N / A"

"161”, “Yes"

"162”, “Yes"

"163”, “Yes"

"164”, “Not enough information has been provided to us to comment on the incorporation of these strategies here.  No evidence has been provided to back up the incorporation of these strategies."

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

"166”, “"

"167”, “Yes"

"168”, “The existing structure works well for us."

"169”, “Yes - Education Authorities must have an avenue for consultation with a significant proportion of parents."

"170”, “The present situation of the HT discussing  Improvement Planning is sufficient and offers ample opportunity for involvement."

"171”, “No the aim should be adaptation of existing framework with review and modernisation of some functions."

"172”, “If this were a standing requirement then why should it be included in the Annual Statement?  A statement of parental involvement is cosmetic where a School Board represents active involvement."

"173”, “Yes  the existing arrangements could be incorporated through the SDP which can be utilised as a carrier for introductions."

"174”, “"

"175”, “The best strategy is to retain School Boards and the Education Authorities can keep them informed of their intentions."

"176”, “How many parents actually read these statements?"

"177”, “Don't agree that the strategies are required."

"178”, “Yes if the SPIs are measurable, monitored and EAs are held accountable for them."

"179”, “Within the current School Board structure only."

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

"181”, “Plain English would encourage greater parental involvement. This questionnaire was difficult to comprehend at times for the Board."

"182”, “Will parents really read this?  We do not think it will be accessible to parents."

"183”, “We agree that the education authority should set out their objectives in an appropriate, structured way.  Intentions of the education authority and individual schools could also be set out or included in schools self-evaluations and standard and quality reports - also through SB Annual Reports and newsletters.  We do not feel that schools should ever be measured by their level of parental involvement - we feel this would be unfair."

"184”, “Don't agree - if any changes are to come into force more consultation over a longer time period."

"185”, “"

"186”, “Yes"

"187”, “In principal this is a satisfaction method."

"188”, “As above.  ( Each school have their own personalities and needs - Perhaps school / school boards would do this. )  Maybe become part of School Development Plan."

"189”, “There seems to be many changes in the new Bill which does not allow for parental involvement, therefore addressing parental involvement and not about management."

"190”, “No.  No one out with the school board will be aware of the stated plans.
There needs to be a simple one-page summary."

"191”, “"

"192”, “N/A"

"193”, “Yes - we feel our EA is already very supportive.  We are not convinced that parental involvement will improve as a result of the proposed changes"

"194”, “No we do not agree with new strategies"

"195”, “It would appear to be a reasonable way"

"196”, “Yes"

"197”, “N/A"

"198”, “Should be published in a way that parents would find easily accessible.  There has to be a structure/model for parents to work with.  What are other Councils doing? Are they any examples of good practice available?"

"199”, “Yes"

"200”, “Yes - plus in newsletter to parents."

"201”, “No the status quo should be maintained."

"202”, “No"

"203”, “Yes"

"204”, “Yes but a concern would be that an extra burden would be placed on staff, especially the HT"

"205”, “Yes"

"206”, “Need more information."

"207”, “Blank"

"208”, “Not enough information"

"209”, “Blank"

"210”, “No:- School Development Plan SHOULD be focussed on teaching & learning.
Additional objectives should be covered by the Annual Statements."

"211”, “Yes"

"212”, “Yes"

"213”, “We do not believe that new strategies are necessary, but, if prepared, existing procedures should be used."

"214”, “No"

"215”, “Yes, agree this is the right way."

"216”, “No"

"217”, “Blank"

"218”, “Yes"

"219”, “Blank"

"220”, “No        some other way"

"221”, “Blank"

"222”, “Yes"

"223”, “Yes.  But this alone is not a justification for this bill."

"224”, “"

"225”, “Yes"

"226”, “No
Maintain the status quo."

"227”, “No"

"228”, “No we do not agree."

"229”, “No such requirement"

"230”, “Blank"

"231”, “Blank"

"232”, “"

"233”, “Yes - Schools need a defined structure"

"234”, “Yes.  It should be an integral part of both."

"235”, “Yes"

"236”, “No"

"237”, “"

"238”, “Partnership with parents is the right way for authorities to set out their intentions i.e. consultation with authority forum and communication with school boards."

"239”, “Yes"

"240”, “This would be a good way, but as before this should not be necessary as we do nit believe Bill should go ahead."

"241”, “No.  Needs to be less ""jargonised"".  Many parents are baffled by education speak.  Perhaps set out in the above ways initially, but communicated to parents less ""stuffily""."

"242”, “Would parents actually read Authority Development plans ?   Where would you source this document ?  Bullet points for parents who can then ask for more information ? "

"243”, “Who reads School Development Plans ?  Are parents aware of this ?
Yes, in development plan - but not enough on its own - accountability issues.
Discussion with parents at parents' evenings has been effective in past.
Possibility - parent speaking at prize giving."

"244”, “Yes, but there should be agreement between the school and the parents."

"245”, “A yes here would appear to imply we are in favour of the Bill - This is not the case.  This is already happening anyway and you seem to be stating the obvious.  Questions seemed to be phrased ""politically"" to elect support for a Bill - which is not the case !"

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “Yes we agree that this should be done on an annual basis."

"249”, “There is not enough information in the bill to clearly explain the role of the SPIs therefore whether or not they be included in annual statements of education improvements is unclear."

"250”, “"

"251”, “Yes - however local plans should reflect a national arrangement.  Education Committees should be required o adopt these plans following full consultation with all parties involved, i.e. pupils, parents, teachers, Councillors, local authorities.  Keep figures of parents involved;  allow them to be involved in setting education improvement objectives."

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “When parents see that the school is working well with their children, then they want to get involved as well."

"255”, “Yes"

"256”, “This should be part of natural growth from a local school community"

"257”, “No focusing schools on the role of parents would be done in other ways."

"258”, “Plans such as these need to be short and to the point with precise readable plans - more parent friendly.  Too often they are too big to read with too much jargon - the message is buried."

"259”, “Don't understand the question but would have thought annual statements of education improvement objectives produced by local authority and school development plans by individual school so not sure how these would fit together."

"260”, “Agreed"

"261”, “Yes this is a suitable vehicle but the effectiveness of these strategies needs to be evaluated in some way e.g. parental questionnaires."

"262”, “Should be a quarterly meeting or term time meeting re parental involvement.  Once a year is not enough to encourage involvement.  Include why parents not involved - ask why ad encourage more."

"263”, “Agreed"

"264”, “Agree"

"265”, “Don't know."

"266”, “Yes - as is already the case for improvements and changes, but we would like to see clear mechanisms for communication of this to parents."

"267”, “"

"268”, “"

"269”, “No"

"270”, “No"

"271”, “No"

"272”, “No"

"273”, “Only in consultation with and through School Boards"

"274”, “I think they should drop the whole thing and spend their money on educating our children, not on the parents ..."

"275”, “Only the parents who are already highly involved are likely to read these.  In order to reach 'new' parents, individual letters would be needed."

"276”, “No - leave well along.  Many parents feel annoyance at the waste of money going towards producing expensive glossy booklets that are issued time and time again when funds are desperately needed in other areas."

"277”, “No - this should be done in some other way - e.g. separate report"

"278”, “No - school improvement plans are already included within the remit and work of the School Board."

"279”, “Yes - the authority will always be aware of its duty to School Boards when it sets out these objectives."

"280”, “"

"281”, “"

"282”, “Blank"

"283”, “We consider this to be out with the scope of our response."

"284”, “Responses were 2 stated NO, 1 stated YES, 1 stated ? One comment - I don't think it matters if they put their strategies out within these documents, as long as they otherwise have some alternative means of producing them."

"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”, “If it ain't broken, don't fix it."

"288”, “Yes"

"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”, “Setting out intentions on statements of improvement is a start and is commendable. It is the next step that is more important. How do these intentions reach parents and are they then in a form easily accessible by parents. Will annual statements and plans be broken down to allow ease of access (for parents) and attainability (for staff), for example 'During this term Argyll & Bute Education Dept will do .... (precise and attainable targets) ... to promote parental involvement in (our) Primary School.'"

"295”, “To have these Strategies included in Improvement Objectives there would have to be some defined and tangible way of measuring whether implementation of the strategies has significantly improved parental involvement. Given the lack of definition of Parental Forums in the new bill I would suggest that it might be difficult to include the strategies within a Development Plan."

"296”, “"

"297”, “Yes we agree as this is already done so there is no change."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “The Strategies of the education authority should be communicated to parents through the existing PTA and School Board structures in addition to the existing Annual Statements of Education improvement Objectives and School Development Plans. The education authorities should continue to build and improve communication with parental bodies through periodic open discussion and action groups.
"

"305”, “"

"306”, “As we did not want extra strategies this question is superfluous.
"

"307”, “"

"308”, “"

"309”, “"

"310”, “They should be incorporated into the School Development Plans but they should also be highlighted direct to parents to increase their involvement in the Schools."

"311”, “The Scottish Executive and local Councils do not currently present information in a parent-friendly format. The issue of information on this bill is an example of bad practice - the 'purple' leaflet did not provide adequate information to fully inform parents or alert them to the scale of changes proposed. If parents do not respond to this consultation, it cannot be assumed that they agree - it is more likely that they do not understand.
Communication is more effective face to face via parental representatives on School Boards rather than more documentation which will not be read by the majority of parents."

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “No - parental involvement would be diluted out with School Board however more varied participation would be an advantage."

"315”, “Those who replied in the affirmative to Question 2 agree with this one too."

"316”, “If there is no statutory duty then this would not be needed.  Parental involvement should be promoted in ways which would not significantly impact on resourcing or require to be inspected."

"317”, “A 'yes' answer would suggest that we are in favour of the draft bill and we are not!"

"318”, “Not sure"

"319”, “Any organisation must have a strategy whatever parental involvement.  A combination of both existing and future is an awful miss-match."

"320”, “It should still be in the development plan but it would also be helpful for parents to receive these strategies in a parent friendly manner on its own."

"321”, “Yes - decisions on strategies should be devolved.  Should be some building on what already exists."

"322”, “The authorities must indicate how they will involve parents in consultation and co-opted members of the Boards have a valuable role to play in this."

"323”, “Use existing School Boards and school bodies to promote their intentions.  Including it in annual statements will not help."

"324”, “Certainly the School Development Plan should be aware of maintaining a healthy level of parental involvement"

"325”, “I do agree."

"326”, “In principle, yes."

"327”, “The inclusion of such strategies can (and should) be promoted within such stated Objectives and Plans.  This, however, should be within the School Board Act which already has a framework for extension in these directions."

"328”, “Yes"

"329”, “Yes - existing framework way of informing and setting out intentions is a satisfactory way to inform parents of objectives and school development plans."

"330”, “No"

"331”, “"

"332”, “This would seem a perfectly adequate way to incorporate such strategies."

"333”, “Only incorporating these strategies in existing annual statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans may result that they are not readily accessible to parent body.  This can occur at present."

"334”, “Yes - it will maintain a focus of parental involvement in children's education."

"335”, “No"

"336”, “Yes"

"337”, “Yes"

"338”, “Yes"

"339”, “Yes"

"340”, “"

"341”, “Setting out intentions on  statements of improvement is a start and is commendable.  It is the next step that is more important.  How do these intentions reach parents and are they then in a form easily accessible by parents.  Will annual statements and plans be broken down to allow ease of access (for parents) and attainability (for staff), for example ""During this term the department will do ...l (precise and attainable targets) .... to promote parental involvement in (Our) Primary School."""

"342”, “It would certainly reach the intended target group of parents which ultimately the people the Bill is setting out to include in their Child's education."

"343”, “Yes.  It is important that all stakeholders have access to information on how the strategy has been implemented and how its progress has been measured and success to date.  The incorporation of a parental involvement strategy should be within the local improvement objectives and its effectiveness reported in the Standards and Quality Report of the education authority and of individual schools."

"344”, “Yes"

"345”, “NO - As referenced in our answer to question 1 above - we do not support this requirement."

"346”, “Agreed  Some migrating of what already exists in (our Region) would be helpful.  Decisions on these strategies should be devolved as much as possible so that not all decision-making lies with the local authority."

"347”, “Yes."

"348”, “Seems a reasonable approach but defer to the Authority as to whether this makes sense to them."

"349”, “Yes.  However, there is some feeling that this is only likely to reach a narrow audience and other more imaginative ways of engaging with parents need to be developed."

"350”, “We do not accept the argument for the preparation of SPIs. However we do agree that education authorities and schools should place a high priority on highlighting, and promoting, their existing strategies for liaising with parents. This should include the use of a variety of media with a clear focus on the 'personal touch' of who to contact and how.  With the increasing emphasis on the community school agenda, the need to engage across a wider range of stakeholders is essential. The SPI proposals do not address this aspect at all."

"351”, “"

"352”, “"

"353”, “"

"354”, “This works very successfully for its ... parents ... well represented through the school board, PTA feels that local and parent led extra curricular activities.  (The School) maintains good communications and feels that local micro knowledge is the best target of the school i.e.: to utilise the skills and interests of the teachers in the most appropriate and fun way.  Please do not delude yourselves about the depth of interest you expect to get from parents."

"355”, “We see no problem with this if the Scottish Executive decides to press on with its plans. But see the answer to Q.1 and Q.2 above rather than us repeat our views again here."

"356”, “"

"357”, “Already in place"

"358”, “Whatever is the appropriate mechanism."

"359”, “"

"360”, “Yes - any change should be planned for."

"361”, “- Yes.
- Head teacher at this school consults School Board re School Development Plans.
- An actual section insisting on putting down strategies would force some Head Teachers into line.
- Not only HMIE but also pre-S Quality Improvement Officer checks improvement plans.
- This would force hands of Head Teachers.
- If you have an obdurate Head Teacher, then there is not much you can do.
"

"362”, “These strategies already exist under the existing Act and within our own School's Development Plan and its Improvement objectives."

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “N / A"

"367”, “"

"368”, “"

"369”, “Yes - That is not in 'some other way'"

"370”, “This makes sense - incorporating and dovetailing document makes them more meaningful."

"371”, “No - (Our) Council already incorporate these strategies in existing statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans."

"372”, “These should appear as targets and be available to the parents."

"373”, “N/A"

"374”, “Yes - incorporated, but must be promoted widely in a simple user-friendly way, easily understood leaflet to parents to raise awareness, added dimension to school development plans"

"375”, “Current education resource plans already contain such strategies."

"376”, “No I have doubts about this."

"377”, “Do not have enough knowledge to comment."

"378”, “As that reporting method exists, that is probably the most appropriate way."

"379”, “Yes - it is important that all stakeholders have access to information on how the strategy has been implemented and how its progress has been measured and success to date.  The incorporation of a parental involvement strategy should be within the local improvement objectives and its effectiveness reported in the Standards and Quality report of the education authority and of individual schools."

"380”, “Yes - strategies have to be clearly defined."

"381”, “Yes but (a)  also more readily available for all parents and (b) Education Authorities have enough to do already and this is probably only an increase in bureaucracy."

"382”, “If the SPIs turn out to be worthwhile, which I have doubts about, then yes."

"383”, “Yes - by incorporating this into School Development plans, schools will be encouraged to improve parental involvement and will have to evaluate performance and involvement of parents."

"384”, “This section is so fuzzy and vague there is nothing concrete to answer"

"385”, “Please keep this simple! As long as there is some form of PTA with clear representation on a board type body what could be simpler? We don't need complicated strategies.   A couple of sentences would suffice.  We don’t need incorporation of strategies - wording like this will just turn off the people you are trying to involve."

"386”, “No it should be a separate issue and made as basic as possible."

"387”, “No the new strategies must be presented on their own to highlight them to parents."

"388”, “Identify and review best practices of the Education Authority."

"389”, “No -current system works adequately."

"390”, “Not in isolation and not without having option to hear ideas of other authorities and adopting/incorporating them following agreements and discussions."

"391”, “Yes - they make use of existing mechanisms to report annually to both the Scottish Executive and the parent body and they introduce annual accountability."

"392”, “I think it should be circulated separately otherwise it will be lost within the plans and parents will not notice their potential for involvement and partnerships with schools."

"393”, “Already assumed and utilises existing legislation."

"394”, “Feel the focus could be lost in the bigger picture if included in development plans."

"395”, “This should be done in another way so that these objectives are properly focused on."

"396”, “"

"397”, “"

"398”, “Keep them through school strategies rather than Development Plan"

"399”, “Agree"

"400”, “Yes - agree"

"401”, “No"

"402”, “Yes - but should not be the only way.  Summaries could be promoted via school news letters."

"403”, “"

"404”, “Since a strategy is a broad and longer term statement of how an organisation intends to get from where it is to some desired end point it hardy seems necessary to include in its entirety  in a statement that changes each year.  It should be enough for its existence and where the public can find it do be referred to in the existing annual statement.  Any specific actions required during the course of the year to implement it could be made explicit in the annual statement."

"405”, “Not required. Even the question alludes to existing practice.  See answers to questions 1 and 2. The Parent Forum
"

"406”, “Yes (no other way to suggest)
"

"407”, “Yes."

"408”, “"

"409”, “Yes"

"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”, “Yes."

"424”, “Agree with statement but additionally an audit process/evaluation process is required to be built in so as to ensure that the strategies are effective and could be changed.  We feel this could be done without the requirement to scrap the School Board Scotland Act."

"425”, “"

"426”, “Definitely do not agree with this idea. ""Yes"" would suggest that we are in favour of the Draft Bill and we are not."

"427”, “No comment"

"428”, “We do not accept the argument for the preparation of SPIs.  However we do agree that education authorities and schools should place a high priority on highlighting, and promoting, their existing strategies for liaising with parents.  This should include the use of a variety of media with a clear focus on the 'personal touch' of who to contact and how.

With the increasing emphasis on the community school agenda, the need to engage across a wider range of stakeholders is essential.  The SPI proposals do not address this aspect at all.
"

"429”, “No. Parental Involvement should be included as part of the 3-5 year cycle of Development Plans within the school."

"430”, “Yes. Provided that all strategies are clearly set out in a parent friendly, understandable, format."

"431”, “We agree that incorporating these strategies in existing Annual Statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans is a right way for education authorities to set out their intentions - and this needs to be done in numerous other ways. The Scottish Executive's own research, conducted with the George Street Research group, stresses the importance of a multiplicity of communication channels - which certainly makes sense. The Scottish Executive is to be commanded for good work in this area, not least the excellent George Street Research initiative. However, the draft bill seems to betray consistent ""either / or"" thinking by the Scottish Executive, which we believe often to be detrimental and better transformed to an ""and"" mindset."

"432”, “It doesn't really matter how they set out their intention, as long as all parents are informed of them."

"433”, “Yes"

"434”, “Subject to the comments made in response to question 1 above, if the SPIs are designed to state how the education authorities will promote interaction with parents in an individual capacity, then the Board would agree that such statements should be prepared.  It is, however, insufficient to rely on this publication as a mode of communication and efforts should be made at a local level to raise awareness amongst parents of the strategies.  This should be dealt with at authority and school level so that a comprehensive and coherent message is sent to parents."

"435”, “No.  Any new strategies should be set out in both the School Development Plans as well as in dedicated separate documents and this is only in the event that the existing parental bodies (School Boards/PTAs) have approved suggested strategies.

Additionally, it is essential that these new strategies reach ALL parents, not just those who are involved in the structuring of such plans.  These should be outlined in detail in booklets and circulated to all parents during the formational (early) phase so that parents can express their opinions on these as well as any regular updates on these.  Quote: ""Too late when they are already in writing if parents have not been consulted and find these to be ineffective!""

Additionally, our Working Group was concerned that a sizable majority might not in fact read what is sent home. As a result, a sizeable percentage of responses approving such strategies should be established prior to approving any changes being made to current strategies in place.
"

"436”, “No. we do not agree that incorporating these Strategies in existing Annual Statements of Education Improvement Objectives and School Development Plans is the right way for education authorities to set out their intentions.  The strategies should not automatically be subject to change on an annual basis where such change is not necessary."

"437”, “Agreed"

"438”, “The existing arrangements are generally satisfactory."

"439”, “Yes however consideration should also be given to finding other more easily accessible methods for Parents to these Strategies."

"440”, “If this becomes compulsory every year it could become irrelevant but it is appropriate to consult with parents on the School Development Plan and include the strategy when there is a need."

"441”, “Yes"

"442”, “Yes"

"443”, “"

"444”, “"

"445”, “"

"446”, “No.  We think that this should be done in a way more accessible to all."

"447”, “Yes"

"448”, “"

"449”, “Current system is fine."

"450”, “Don't know."

"451”, “Yes"

"452”, “"

"453”, “No"

"454”, “It should be done at a more local level otherwise they can be too general to be of assistance."

"455”, “"

"456”, “"

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “Yes"

"459”, “Yes - as a separate section dedicated to parental involvement."

"460”, “We are sure that this is already included in our councils development plan and school development plan."

"461”, “No opinion."

"462”, “Blank"

"463”, “Yes, in school development plans."

"464”, “Too much pressure on school."

"465”, “Yes.  Education Authorities must have an avenue for consultation with a significant proportion of parents."

"466”, “Yes"

"467”, “Yes"

"468”, “Don't see the point of this question."

"469”, “Yes, as long as actions, timescales and re........ies are clearly stated."

"470”, “Seems fine."

"471”, “Incorporating into improvement objectives and school development plans is appropriate."

"472”, “This is putting too much pressure on the school : parental involvement strategies should be wider in scope."

"473”, “No.  Communication with individual parents in any school is vital.  If parents see a need for their help and support for all individual child, they are more likely to respond."

"474”, “New strategies for parental involvement should not be included in annual ""Statements of Education Improvement Objectives""."

"475”, “We already have School Development Plans and these would be the best way of incorporating these strategies.  Any other way would introduce more paperwork and red tape.  We don't need another level of the same thing."

"476”, “Yes, this is a suitable vehicle, but the effectiveness of these strategies needs to be evaluated in some way, e.g. parental questionnaires."

"477”, “Some other way as these strategies could be changed annually to suit the education authorities own desired objectives and may not be in the best interests of the forums."

"478”, “It will be confusing to include proposed amendment in  development plans, as development plans change each year and surely stability in parental involvement is crucial until conclusion of consultation is achieved."

"479”, “Yes, there should be incorporated into development plans, etc because then the performance of the boards can be audited and improved upon if necessary."

"480”, “Blank"

"481”, “All parents should be encouraged to be involved in their child's education.  This is completely different from representing their views to the education authorities but guidelines may be useful."

"482”, “Blank"

"483”, “No - generally felt that these strategies should not be in School Development Plans."

"484”, “One of those ""when did you stop beating your wife""  questions.  To answer at all accepts the premis of the question that there is wholesale change."

"485”, “Blank"

Parent Forums - Draft Bill