Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

Question 6

Do you agree that education authorities should have a new duty to promote the establishment of a parent forum in each school and to support their operation ?

"1”, “No  -should be promoting existing School Boards"

"2”, “No - See Question 4"

"3”, “No - This question pre-supposes a ""fait accompli"" so NO"

"4”, “Yes, but it doesn't mean a parent forum will work or achieve anything"

"5”, “No - Promote School Boards"

"6”, “Yes - Education Authority can help with - awareness raising/pr, funding, training"

"7”, “Yes - but only if Boards are to be abolished - but we feel more could be done to support the Boards that are in existence now"

"8”, “Yes"

"9”, “No"

"10”, “No"

"11”, “No - we believe the School Board system works well and should be allowed to continue."

"12”, “"

"13”, “Yes"

"14”, “No we think the authorities should be supporting the existing system"

"15”, “No - not new, currently have a duty to School Boards"

"16”, “No "

"17”, “No - not necessary"

"18”, “No"

"19”, “No - leave things as they are"

"20”, “Educational authorities could be made to promote parental involvement through the current School Board and PTA set ups"

"21”, “Yes - and advocate positive involvement"

"22”, “Yes, the parent forums should continue to receive the support of the Education Authority and that both should work in partnership"

"23”, “Education authority should be involved as a parent forum or a School Board"

"24”, “"

"25”, “Yes"

"26”, “No"

"27”, “No - support will just drift away"

"28”, “N/A"

"29”, “Yes - parental involvement should be an integral part of a school not an option"

"30”, “No"

"31”, “"

"32”, “No - if there is no PTA and SB then that could be a way forward but this should not be through legislation"

"33”, “No"

"34”, “I do not agree with this"

"35”, “No"

"36”, “No"

"37”, “No"

"38”, “We think there should be a more flexible School Board system"

"39”, “"

"40”, “Yes"

"41”, “No - parents, through their elected body should have the right to query the actions of the education authorities rather than become a tool of implementation"

"42”, “Education authorities should have a new duty to promote the establishment of Boards in the minority of schools that do not yet have them.  Education authorities should support the operation of Boards"

"43”, “Yes"

"44”, “Should promote, support whatever representation is in place"

"45”, “Yes"

"46”, “Not if this requires some new local/national quango to set it in motion"

"47”, “As long as they listen to them"

"48”, “Yes"

"49”, “"

"50”, “"

"51”, “Yes"

"52”, “No - Education Authorities should have a duty to promote a modified School Board system which allows all parents to get involved"

"53”, “Local Authorities should support the parents through a School Board"

"54”, “"

"55”, “No - the old duty is fine."

"56”, “No"

"57”, “They should certainly support parent involvement but why change the existing Board system?"

"58”, “Yes"

"59”, “"

"60”, “No"

"61”, “Education authorities have a duty to support whatever representation system is in place for parents whether the existing School Board system or any new system."

"62”, “"

"63”, “Local Education authorities should have a duty to support existing School Boards"

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

"65”, “"

"66”, “"

"67”, “Yes this is an appropriate duty for local authorities.  However we would prefer to see the Scottish Parliament providing some greater legislative consistency in the definition of the duties and responsibilities of these forums:  otherwise groups of parents in particular schools across an authority might have different opportunities for dialogue with the school and monitoring of its work.  Fundamentally we are saying we do agree with School Boards but that they are not fulfilling their roles.  Is there a need for the Executive to make sure this happens as opposed to devolving this responsibility o the Education Authority."

"68”, “No"

"69”, “Again we are quite clear that we wish the present system to continue.  If it is insisted upon that a new system be created then of course we think it would require support from the authority."

"70”, “If the Bill is passed the establishment of a parent forum should receive promotion and support"

"71”, “"

"72”, “"

"73”, “"

"74”, “Yes"

"75”, “The Education Authorities should support parents whatever the operation"

"76”, “If we have to have parent forums the authority should support"

"77”, “No"

"78”, “No"

"79”, “The local authority should have a duty to promote and support School Boards as they currently exist, or a new forum should parents wish to change"

"80”, “No - current legislation should be retained with detailed changes"

"81”, “Current legislation is completely satisfactory"

"82”, “The Board is of the belief that Authorities already have a duty to promote parental involvement."

"83”, “"

"84”, “No should retain current system"

"85”, “If these Forums are to  be the way forward then the LA should have a responsibility to promote them.  However, a more appropriate way forward would be to retain School Boards and if necessary restructure them to ensure wider involvement rather than abolish."

"86”, “Yes"

"87”, “"

"88”, “Yes within a development of the existing framework"

"89”, “"

"90”, “"

"91”, “No.  We want support and encouragement for school boards."

"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”, “We are happy for authorities to encourage but not ENFORCE the establishment of a parent forum."

"94”, “Strongly disagree."

"95”, “If this bill is passed, then Yes"

"96”, “"

"97”, “The education authority should support whatever means each school wants - board or forum."

"98”, “Not necessary"

"99”, “No"

"100”, “This would help with running of Forums.  Will they provide funding."

"101”, “Yes"

"102”, “No"

"103”, “No.  I believe education authorities should promote the school board system."

"104”, “See Above.  (  Area of elections to Boards is one that could be made more flexible to include more parents on the Board where desired & reduce formality of appointment system. )"

"105”, “No."

"106”, “No"

"107”, “If the bill replaces the act I do agree that education authorities should have a new duty."

"108”, “No"

"109”, “No"

"110”, “We believe that they have a duty already and that this should be continued."

"111”, “If this is the way the education authorities have decided to go repealing a perfectly workable system of school boards, they must give us guidelines and support otherwise we'll be working in the dark and achieving little."

"112”, “"

"113”, “No"

"114”, “Yes"

"115”, “Yes, but I believe they largely do that already."

"116”, “Yes, but this already being done - not seen as a new duty."

"117”, “Yes"

"118”, “No"

"119”, “To support but not lay down all the rules."

"120”, “Authorities ...would support school board and PTA as at present"

"121”, “This should not be placed as a key remit of the education authorities they do not adequately fulfil the function currently of supporting school boards."

"122”, “NO - as they should already be promoting the establishment, this is maybe why numbers are falling in school boards and no interest is shown."

"123”, “Yes, SHOULD it be a parent forum & yes if it is a school board"

"124”, “Yes"

"125”, “No"

"126”, “Call it school board or school forum the authority should have a duty to support their operation.  It is a strengthening of this duty rather than change of format that is required."

"127”, “If school boards are to be abolished - Yes.
Some leadership will be required from the authority not the Head Teacher."

"128”, “Blank"

"129”, “Only if the parent forum idea is railroaded into place.  There must be parental involvement and we are concerned that those that are created would have enough parent members that would better reflect the local needs and would have the relevant independent back up."

"130”, “Not necessary with existing School Boards in place."

"131”, “Yes - at present elections are organised and financed by the authority.  A school could never do that itself (e.g. all of 1,000 pupils = 2,000 ballet papers / letters to post.)"

"132”, “Blank"

"133”, “Education Authorities should do supporting parent involvement at all times."

"134”, “Yes"

"135”, “Again this depends on the school.  If they have a pro-active School Board then the education authorities should be supporting the views of the School Board with modifications if necessary."

"136”, “Blank"

"137”, “Yes"

"138”, “Yes"

"139”, “No"

"140”, “Existing school boards cover this."

"141”, “No"

"142”, “Stick with existing arrangements."

"143”, “Only if Bill goes ahead."

"144”, “Yes - Local Authority involved."

"145”, “"

"146”, “"

"147”, “No.  We do not agree with parent forums."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “Yes"

"150”, “Yes"

"151”, “We are happy with their duty to promote School Boards within schools and not parent forums."

"152”, “No - would prefer local authorities to do more to support and promote School Boards."

"153”, “Yes"

"154”, “I agree"

"155”, “Blank"

"156”, “Yes"

"157”, “No"

"158”, “No"

"159”, “"

"160”, “No.  Existing system is fine and support already exists."

"161”, “Yes"

"162”, “Yes & Yes"

"163”, “Yes"

"164”, “No I don't agree that education authorities should have the duty of promoting and supporting the establishment of parent forums.  This seems to be an unnecessary duty when a typical system can be prescribed and used or the existing School Board system can be amended to carry on.  This would be a much cheaper option and would allow the framework already in place to be used to improve parental involvement."

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

"166”, “"

"167”, “There must be a duty placed on Authorities to support and consult with their Boards.  They need to actively and freely supply information to allow Boards to function to the best of their ability."

"168”, “Each school should in preference have a School Board not a parent forum."

"169”, “The EA should actively support the parent group"

"170”, “The Education Authority should continue its existing support and be given opportunities to find ways to continue and improve support."

"171”, “Yes within a development of the existing national framework."

"172”, “No"

"173”, “Yes only on representation body per school with adequate funding to enable this body to progress forward."

"174”, “Yes - EA must support parents and be willing to listen to their views."

"175”, “This duty could easily be overlooked in all other business.  Education Authorities should be supporting their School Boards - in many cases very well established and operating well."

"176”, “Agree that EAs should support and promote but doubt that a forum would be any more popular."

"177”, “No"

"178”, “Our EA already supports the School Board system"

"179”, “No - why not support existing School Boards to encourage greater participation and inclusion?"

"180”, “"

"181”, “"

"182”, “Yes"

"183”, “We feel that the Education Authority has a duty to promote parental involvement, be that through the current system of School Boards or through the establishment of parent forums.  There should be an ongoing commitment of support for both School Boards and parent forums."

"184”, “This is at present in place.  Link already there for us to approach local authority.  We have support of local authority  school forums, training provided by (local) Council - not broke why fix it?"

"185”, “"

"186”, “Yes - and include a budget/support to do that - we would prefer not to lose paid clerk position"

"187”, “No   They should have a duty to promote the establishment of a school board."

"188”, “Don't agree with Forums.  Worried that it could become a 'free for all' - with people having their own agenda's especially if there is no formal requirements (i.e. minutes, etc)."

"189”, “No"

"190”, “Yes"

"191”, “"

"192”, “Would have to if no School Board system"

"193”, “Yes - we would like to see clerical services retained - our Auth very supportive already."

"194”, “We are against parent forums but if the replacement of School Boards with parent forums does occur then the authorities have a duty to establish and support them"

"195”, “Yes if they feel a new 'parent forum' is required"

"196”, “To modernise parental influence, the EA should have a duty to promote and manage centrally."

"197”, “No"

"198”, “No"

"199”, “Acceptable if necessary."

"200”, “Yes"

"201”, “The education authorities should support parents whatever the operation."

"202”, “EAs should have this responsibility but the appropriate resources are provided by the Scottish Executive for the establishment of Parent Forums"

"203”, “This is supported to a certain extent.  Parents should certainly be involved but use what is in place and not replacing School Boards.  Totally replacing an existing School Board would reduce credibility."

"204”, “No"

"205”, “Education authority already supports board operations."

"206”, “No"

"207”, “No"

"208”, “Prefer to leave as it is and have sub-sections managing other issues.
Already different forums in (our Council) i.e. SEN, consultative group, not many parents out with board attend or are interested."

"209”, “Yes.  If Parental Involvement Bill is passed, it's up to education authorities to encourage it."

"210”, “Only if the parent forum set is agreed at Local Authority level - see Q5."

"211”, “Yes - this is a must for the system to be successful."

"212”, “Yes - they can achieve this by providing more support for existing arrangements e.g. providing a clerk, coaching for members."

"213”, “No.  The existing framework and system has adequate provision for those who currently have a School Board / PTA.
Attention should be given to helping and encouraging parental involvement in schools where there is currently no parent body."

"214”, “No"

"215”, “Disagree"

"216”, “No - present system is effective."

"217”, “Blank"

"218”, “Not necessary at present time."

"219”, “Blank"

"220”, “No"

"221”, “Parent representation should be promoted but not necessarily in the form of a parent forum."

"222”, “No.  Not a new duty, but to continue the work of supporting School Boards."

"223”, “No.  We believe the existing arrangements are adequate and that the education authorities should concentrate on getting the best out of them rather than being distracted by change."

"224”, “"

"225”, “Yes"

"226”, “No"

"227”, “No"

"228”, “No"

"229”, “No"

"230”, “Blank"

"231”, “We agree to more parental support in each school along side the school boards."

"232”, “"

"233”, “Yes"

"234”, “Yes.  This is vital to ensure continued communication and consultation."

"235”, “Partnership working with parents already well established."

"236”, “No; in this question it is implicit that there are going to be parental forums."

"237”, “"

"238”, “Education authorities at present support schools in the setting up of school boards and associated matters."

"239”, “Yes.  But the guidelines should be national by the Scottish Executive."

"240”, “No as do not agree Bill should go ahead.
But if parent forums are imposed, would need  help to set up."

"241”, “No.  Why fix something that isn't broken ?   It is very likely that the same parents would be involved in the Forums as those involved in School Boards."

"242”, “Duplication of question 1."

"243”, “No.  See response to Q1  ( 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.  )
Parents will only become involved if they want to.
School better placed to get parents involved - depends on school ethos."

"244”, “Not for the parent forum as a means of replacing existing ...roles.. .  They should be more supportive of school boards."

"245”, “Who else ?  But this ASSUMES AGREEMENT with Parent Forums.  Current school board guidelines are quite adequate and explicit.  How could Ed Auth support ""local axe-grinding"" parents who are a real danger under this new proposal."

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “Yes we agree with this."

"249”, “No - I don't believe there is enough evidence that the existing School Board system needs replaced."

"250”, “Yes"

"251”, “Yes - however history shows us that support has fallen over the past years.  Local authorities need to be accountable for their support."

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “No"

"255”, “Yes if the School Boards are to be replaced.  However if every school opts for a different method of operating their Parent Forum then this will presumably become onerous on the local authority to monitor and support."

"256”, “Yes"

"257”, “No - parents forum should be School Boards"

"258”, “No we are not in favour of forums - this seems to be a deformalising move, trying to depower School Boards and break parent power."

"259”, “Yes if this means helping schools get the parent forums running."

"260”, “If it was agreed to have parent forums then this would be necessary."

"261”, “There should be an option for schools to keep the School Board, where the existing board is working, or else to establish a parent forum.  The education authorities should have a duty to support either."

"262”, “Yes"

"263”, “Yes but needs tightened up"

"264”, “Any system should be supported and finance for support should be built into the system by the Executive otherwise any system will not work"

"265”, “Yes but should have same duties as School Boards and PTAs"

"266”, “The local authority should have a duty to promote and support School Boards as they currently exist"

"267”, “"

"268”, “"

"269”, “No"

"270”, “No"

"271”, “No"

"272”, “No - we consider that the education authority promotes the current structure of School Board and PTFA"

"273”, “No"

"274”, “No - the School Boards already exist - why ""break the wheel""?"

"275”, “We currently receive excellent support from our School Board unit - why change it?"

"276”, “No - I do not see any need for any change."

"277”, “No"

"278”, “No - the current regulations serve that need well.  The proposed bill would be very difficult to bring to pass for a local authority.  In Argyll there are 90 schools - does that mean 90 different models and structures to service and to police.  Impossible."

"279”, “All education authorities should promote and support School Boards, but where these authorities do support them they should not be forced or hindered by the new legislation."

"280”, “"

"281”, “"

"282”, “Yes"

"283”, “Yes, a duty to promote the establishment and support however not to mandate the establishment."

"284”, “Majority (3) replies Yes - if a change is required.
Minority (1) replies NO
One replied No to part one - should be job of head teacher; yes to part two."

"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, no need for ""new"" duties.  This is a costly, time-wasting and confusing exercise.  Very difficult to see any benefit from this screed of questions."

"288”, “No"

"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”, “No, see our answer to question 4.  (No, we believe the current system is working. In our opinion, it is not guaranteed that opting for a 'more flexible  system' will bring more parents into participation.  The School Board will have been replaced with an inferior system instead of being improved.  We should not ' throw out the baby with the bath water'.)"

"295”, “I believe that any group of parents who are working to support what is going on in a school should be supported in their efforts by the education authority. But is the setting up of parental forums necessary when you have existing supported School Boards?"

"296”, “"

"297”, “Yes and No.  The education authorities already have a duty to establish school boards."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “""Parental Forums"" as outlined in the consultation document should be resisted.  ""Flexible parental forums"" which have no recognised constitutional rights and responsibilities combined with promotion of such forums by the education authority would be unsustainable and in some situations could be successfully argued as being prejudicial.  The education authorities are better placed to spend time and resource in continuing to promote and encourage participation in the existing bodies

"

"305”, “"

"306”, “Again we are quite clear that we wish the present system to continue. If it is insisted upon that a new system be created then of course we think it would require support from the authority.

"

"307”, “"

"308”, “"

"309”, “"

"310”, “The Education Authority should have a new duty in helping School Boards to run more effectively without the need for a radical overhaul of the legislation.

"

"311”, “Education Authorities should have the duty to promote and support School Boards. The budget allocated to setting up new Parents Forums would be better used by Education Authorities to promote a network of existing School Boards and standardise two way communications between Authorities and Boards. Some Authorities meet with School Board representatives prior to every meeting of the Education Committee. Other Authorities meet with Boards twice a year in a one-way communication exercise."

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “Yes but side by side with School Boards"

"315”, “No"

"316”, “The education authorities are already promoting the establishment of, and supporting the functioning of parent representative bodies in the form of School Boards, so no new statutory duty is required - see question 1 - 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”, “Who else would be involved?  The question presumes that the Draft bill will become an Act.  Surely the same duty is currently in place regarding Boards?"

"318”, “No"

"319”, “The forum as set out in the new bill gives little or no accountability.  To use the premise that it will involve more parents is ""pie in the sky"".  How many, both primary and secondary School Boards are in position by an election by ote (re parents) or by default (no election, not enough volunteers)"

"320”, “The current system of School Boards are being promoted effectively in our area."

"321”, “Yes - support must include adequate financial and clerical back up."

"322”, “No - what the authority has is a duty to promote parental involvement in children's education."

"323”, “No - education authorities should be supporting and promoting the good works carried out by the existing School Boards."

"324”, “If the forums are established then they will need promotion and guidance.  However, we are opposed to the introduction of forums."

"325”, “No - once again I feel that Education Authorities have enough to do already and this is a matter for the schools themselves to deal with."

"326”, “This should be a two-way process with Education Authorities promoting all aspects of parental involvement."

"327”, “No - they should have a duty to promote School Boards more actively and with greater vigour.  Current evidence of such promotion is distinctly lacking."

"328”, “Yes"

"329”, “Yes - we do feel authorities should have new powers to support their School Boards.  The main change we would like would be of authorities sharing good practice with Board members on an annual basis."

"330”, “No - fine as it is"

"331”, “"

"332”, “In what way is this different from the existing system beyond the fact that the nature of the forum could be different in every school thereby creating difficulties for the authority."

"333”, “Yes"

"334”, “If parent forums become the prescribed body then yes."

"335”, “Yes - with a better definition of support."

"336”, “Many of the schools already provide such facilities.  Where these are not in place the education authorities should encourage the introduction of parents' forums, and should certainly support their operation and continue to support them once in place.  It is very difficult for a school to set up such a forum if there has never been a demand or request from parents to have one.  Equally there are periods when such parents' forums 'sink to the doldrums'.  Education authorities could offer occasional events to entice reluctant parents to come to school.  this is a difficult task in many poor areas. It needs support."

"337”, “No"

"338”, “Yes. Yes"

"339”, “Yes - but not a parent forum"

"340”, “"

"341”, “No - No we believe the current system is working.  In our opinion, it is not guaranteed that opting for a  'more flexible system' will bring more parents into participation.  The School Board will have been replaced with an inferior system instead of being improved.  We should not 'throw out the baby with the bathwater'"

"342”, “I feel they should only promote it if they feet that is what parents wish for. It might be difficult for them to support their operation at a later date if they can only attend meetings at the invitation of the forum. (see question  I3)"

"343”, “Retain School Boards and, if necessary, restructure them to ensure wider involvement, rather than abolish."

"344”, “ Yes.  We agree to them promoting the school board.
"

"345”, “NO - As explained previously we do not support this approach"

"346”, “Agree  This question is difficult to disagree with as there is so little detail given; it is really a leading question.
"

"347”, “Again, this question presupposes change.
This should be unnecessary where effective School Boards already exist: we think it would be better to target this initiative at those areas where they do not exist.
We are concerned about the time and ...."

"348”, “As stated above we wish Authorities to be bound by amended existing legislation in the establishment of School Boards.

We see that the Authority's duty is more to promote parental involvement and be imaginative/innovative in the many ways that this can achieved.  For those schools where establishment of a Board is difficult (parent numbers, uncomfortable with the current system, apathy etc.) Authorities/schools and parents should be given credit for involving parents in the children's learning in a variety of ways e.g.
- Holding informal parent meetings/forums to build relations between parents and teachers, whereby topical subjects could be discussed and parent's input used to shape the way forward on particular issues.
- Inviting parents into the school to help with regular or ad-hoc activities.
- Parents helping with fund-raising though e.g. a PTA
- Curriculum evenings
- Demonstrated use of support packages
- System of parent class reps to act as focal points to channel issues/concerns to the Board/PTA or direct to the school
- Other ideas from best practice operating in other schools

The above types of involvement should be auditable to satisfy the Executive that involvement is indeed happening. The focus for those schools without School Boards should be therefore on what works for them and the above, coupled with flexible School Board legislation, will still have the potential for impacting positively on parental involvement and achieving the Executive's objectives.
"

"349”, “No.  The authority already supports and promotes parental involvement.
Therefore, a new duty is unnecessary.
"

"350”, “If, and only if, Parental Forums are to be taken forward by the Scottish Executive do we agree to education authorities having this new duty, so that they can facilitate the establishment of Parental Forums - minimising the genuine fear that for many schools the Bill will result in there being be no formal representative body for parents.
The establishment of Parental Forums will involve education authorities in a huge, complex, expensive and effectively unnecessary bureaucratic exercise.  Is the Scottish Executive to financially underpin all the costs involved?  Surely it would be a far better use of education authority resources to support the modernisation of School Boards rather than set something up from scratch?
"

"351”, “"

"352”, “"

"353”, “"

"354”, “There should be a duty on the authority to support what already! exists and has proved to be successful.  It may well be that some schools parents do struggle with the concept of parental involvement in its different forums and it is here that additional support would be required. if something is working well in a school, as it is in (our school), why deliberately break- it up."

"355”, “Yes we agree."

"356”, “"

"357”, “No"

"358”, “Yes. If the change to Parent Forums goes ahead this will be crucial."

"359”, “"

"360”, “Yes - clear guidelines from the authority. Support needs to be quite comprehensive and structured."

"361”, “- (Our) Council do this anyway and do support school boards with training days, passing information through and videos.
- Doing the job particularly well.
- Whoever wrote this hasn't seen what is in place already.
"

"362”, “NO.  The current system works well.
"

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “No"

"367”, “"

"368”, “"

"369”, “No"

"370”, “If the law changes, yes."

"371”, “No the ... Education Dept supports parents in many ways.  It is well structured and would be an excellent model for all education authorities to follow."

"372”, “This already happens satisfactorily with the School Boards and liaison officers in the authorities."

"373”, “N/A"

"374”, “Yes - schools should be resourced to allow to happen, support must include material as well as moral resources, what is the support?"

"375”, “No."

"376”, “I think that there is a strong chance that you could get people in who have their own issues."

"377”, “No - we believe that updates to the original Bill of 1988 would help Boards and Schools to encourage parental involvement without any of the huge changes you are proposing."

"378”, “Yes - it is essential for effective management to have guidelines."

"379”, “Retain School Boards, and if necessary, restructure them to ensure wider involvement, rather than abolish."

"380”, “No - Education Authorities have a duty to promote parental involvement but I don’t know that a 'parent forum' is the best way to do this."

"381”, “No - the education authority's main duty should be the education of children effectively and not everything but.  Education authorities support the operation of School Boards and these generally work fairly well in representing parental opinion."

"382”, “No - I don't think parent forums are the right way to go."

"383”, “Yes - education authorities should promote the establishment of forums, especially if there are none already and should provide support and training for members."

"384”, “Not necessarily -  think the idea of flexibility is a good one, but it also needs to be pointed out that in schools where the current arrangement works well they might well be better off leaving things as they are - if it works, don't fix it."

"385”, “If the parent forum is to be the only parent body at the school, then yet."

"386”, “I don't have a hard and fast opinion - if this is  what is to happen then so be it."

"387”, “Yes, definitely."

"388”, “Yes - expand Board structure, co-option flexibility, HT fundamental to Board or forum."

"389”, “If parent forums are the way forward then in agreement that education authorities should have duty to offer support/representation as is current with School Board system."

"390”, “Yes but only as a more informal route for parental involvement - not as substitute."

"391”, “Yes - although I disagree with the concept of parent forums I believe that the assistance and participation of the education authority is essential."

"392”, “Yes and they should stipulate exactly what that support should entail."

"393”, “No - already have duties to School Boards."

"394”, “They already do this very well through the School Boards."

"395”, “School Boards already do this."

"396”, “School Boards effectively supported through Education Committee."

"397”, “No"

"398”, “No they already have a duty with School Board but won't need it with parental forum."

"399”, “No - This would create an 'unhealthy' balance in the system."

"400”, “No - there would be too many combinations.  Some schools looking after themselves, some in clusters, how would a unity and standard be set?"

"401”, “No"

"402”, “The promotion of parental involvement should be a duty."

"403”, “"

"404”, “Support from an education authority for the establishment and operation of parent forums is essential. ""Support"" must include adequate funding to allow effective operation.  This is no different in effect from the present system with Boards."

"405”, “Education Authorities should continue the responsibility to promote School Boards, or whichever group is formed.
"

"406”, “We do support the notion that the education authority has a statutory duty to promote the body responsible for parental involvement. This body need not necessarily be the parent forum as proposed.
"

"407”, “Yes, we also think there should be a duty on Head Teachers to facilitate these Forums and support them. We
 would prefer to see this as a duty to support reformed School Boards.
 We are concerned by the amount of time and resources LEA's are going to have to devote to setting this up
 and supporting such a variety of types of forum. Is this the best use of resources when it would be possible to
 improve the current system of parental representation incurring a lot less upheaval, work and loss of confidence?"

"408”, “"

"409”, “No.  This question is couched in such a way that if you answer in the affirmative then you signal your agreement with the establishment of Parents Forum.  According to reports the vast majority of parents are against repeal of the 1988 Act.  Education authorities already carry out this function in support of School Boards and there is no reason to change that."

"410”, “"

"411”, “"

"412”, “"

"413”, “"

"414”, “Blank"

"415”, “"

"416”, “"

"417”, “"

"418”, “"

"419”, “No."

"420”, “"

"421”, “"

"422”, “"

"423”, “No. The 1988 Act places responsibility on the School Board to encourage the formation of PTAs which as stated within the above response to question 5 provide an opportunity for all parents to be involved in aspects of a school. The PTA does not consider issues relating to the education of individual pupils. It
 is difficult to understand how the new proposed parent forum would be able to address specific concerns of parents. This should be responsibility of the Headteacher and the local authority in partnership with
 the pupil and parents.

 There is a need to ensure that all parents are provided the opportunity to understand the education of their own children and be able to communicate any concerns to both staff and other parents. School Boards are public meetings and any parent can attend and ask for specific matters to be considered. This should be the forum which addresses issues that impact or influence a number of pupils rather than specific issues of individual pupils/parents. Other local authority forums and various other structures have already been developed to address specific issues and consider needs of individual children and therefore there is no need to duplicate provision or replace the current parent bodies."

"424”, “Don't believe there is a need to create new structures but would welcome the idea that education authorities continue to support School Boards.

The Executive should look closely at current good practice as (our) Education Authority current fulfils a very supportive role to School Boards within the framework of the- School Board Scotland Act. Should some of this good practice not be shared throughout Scotland?
"

"425”, “"

"426”, “There is no alternative answer than YES. Education Authorities are required for formality and with, for instance, complaints procedures. Formal structure also required via budgets, appointment of senior staff and development. We don't want our Parent Forums to be hijacked by ""axe-grinding"" parents."

"427”, “Yes"

"428”, “If, and only if, Parental Forums are to be taken forward by the Scottish Executive do we agree to education authorities having this new duty, so that they can facilitate the establishment of Parental Forums - minimizing the genuine fear that for many schools the Bill will result in there being be no formal representative body for parents.

The establishment of Parental Forums will involve education authorities in a huge, complex, expensive and effectively unnecessary bureaucratic exercise.  Is the Scottish Executive to financially underpin all the costs involved?

Surely it would be a far better use of education authority resources to support the modernization of School Boards rather than set something up from scratch?
"

"429”, “No.  There is no need for a Parent Forum to substitute the current School Board arrangements."

"430”, “In principle yes, if Parent Forums are to he the way forward.  This Board is not wholly convinced of the argument so far. However if no legislation exists, as is currently the case, there may not be any parent involvement in some schools at all."

"431”, “Yes, in principle - but certainly not a parent forum as currently proposed in the existing draft bill.  A parent forum, as a series of the events exemplified in the research paper, could offer numerous opportunities as a means of improving communication between schools, existing PTAs and amended School Boards.  The latter could particularly benefit from such a forum, which could serve as an effective communication channel with the wider parent body, could help simplify the appointments / election process (as envisaged in the draft bill), and could promote a circulation of parents between the two entities.  This sort of evolutionary approach was the one promoted to the Scottish Executive in its recent consultation with School Board chairs throughout Scotland, and would be a good starting point for redrafting the current bill."

"432”, “Yes, but it shouldn't be a blanket policy - it needs to be tailored to the requirements individual school."

"433”, “Yes but not a ""parent forum"""

"434”, “The Board would favour the retention of School Boards.  However, if the Executive pursues the policy of parent forums, the following comments in this and subsequent questions may be of relevance:-

It is important to note when considering section 4 of the draft bill that the duty placed on education authorities is the promotion rather than the establishment of parent forums.  The former ""duty"" is considerably less onerous than the latter.  The extent of the duty is further restricted by section 5, which provides that the duty to prepare a scheme for the establishment of a parent forum is only discretionary, unless a quarter of the parents demand otherwise.  In practical terms, will such parents be aware of their rights?  If any new duty is to be meaningful from the parent's perspective, the duty should be mandatory and should be for the establishment of the forum unless a majority of the parents otherwise provide.
"

"435”, “Must be careful with the use of the word 'duty'.  This is indirectly saying that the education authority must set up forums.  This would mean that the initiative to establish so called Parent forums is stemming from up above on the hierarchical ladder and that these are nothing to do with the individual parents at schools.
This is taking an overly holistic view. Each school is different from year to year.  Some schools have no School Boards or PTAs at all.  As a result, assigning the Education Authority the duty to promote establishing forums would mean that they would be doing this their own way, giving them (the education service) their own authority over the forum at such a school, setting it up the way they want it to be.
We do not feel that the education service should override existing bodies where schools already have established School Boards and PTAs.  In such cases it would be more beneficial for the education service to offer help when requested and required by schools that need help in setting up such bodies.
In the event that assistance is asked for, it should not be at the cost of School Boards and PTAs already in existence.  Why reinvent the wheel?  If it works, why change it?  Just leave room for improvement.
Classing the promotion as a duty could be seen to be providing an excuse for external bodies to take control that are not the best placed to be making such decisions.  This is because these bodies are not directly involved in the current, day-to-day functioning of School Boards and PTAs at each and every school across the country.
"

"436”, “We do not agree that education authorities should have a new duty to promote the establishment of a parent forum in each school.
 However we agree that education authorities should support the operation of parents' representative bodies.
"

"437”, “Agree, with provisions.  The wording of this question is woolly. 'promote the establishment of...' and 'support their operation' are subjective phrases, totally lacking in substance.
"

"438”, “The existing arrangements are generally satisfactory.  (Our) Education Authority currently promotes & supports School Boards."

"439”, “In the absence of School Board, Yes."

"440”, “There is a duty to promote parental representation and this should continue with sufficient financial support from the education authority."

"441”, “Yes"

"442”, “Yes - if school boards are abolished I do"

"443”, “"

"444”, “"

"445”, “"

"446”, “Yes"

"447”, “Yes"

"448”, “"

"449”, “Current legislation cover and is fine."

"450”, “No, we want to keep current school board."

"451”, “No"

"452”, “"

"453”, “Yes"

"454”, “If parent forums are to be introduced this would be essential."

"455”, “"

"456”, “"

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “Yes, 'to support their operation' is a vague term.  Some concrete guidance of how this should be done is required."

"459”, “Yes, in a supportive but not legislative capacity."

"460”, “NO.  We would prefer to leave school boards as they are."

"461”, “If PFs come to pass then support (incl money) must be provided."

"462”, “No in that I don't support parent forums.  They will reduce the EXTENT and the NATURE of parental involvement, they will have less power, be less accountable (no minutes).  This all equals a reduction not an extension of parental involvement."

"463”, “No, ""tweaking"" is a better strategy, otherwise you are ""throwing the baby out with the bath water"" so to speak."

"464”, “Promote and support the existing arrangements."

"465”, “The EA should actively support the parent group."

"466”, “Yes"

"467”, “Yes - but not the parent forum in its proposed form"

"468”, “No they should be doing this under current guidelines."

"469”, “Yes"

"470”, “Yes"

"471”, “Education Authorities currently promote parental involvement and facilitate the operation of school boards / elections, etc.  We see no need to change this."

"472”, “Education Authorities should support and promote the existing arrangement."

"473”, “No"

"474”, “We do not feel that a NEW ""duty"" is required as a ""duty"" exists within the current structure."

"475”, “No, we believe that the existing arrangements are satisfactory.  We were concerned that the Education Authority would have sufficient resources to comply with this as it will take far more resources to set up than are currently used for school boards.  We do not feel that funds should be diverted from elsewhere to pay for this."

"476”, “No - the school board / PTA format works well enough.  If the forums have no established remits, or remits varying from school to school, the education authorities would find it onerous to support each properly."

"477”, “Yes."

"478”, “No.  We believe it should be agreed nationally with local authorities involved via active participation.  Re Q2"

"479”, “No, education authorities should continue to support the school boards and listen to and act upon their suggestions as these are representatives of parents views."

"480”, “Education authorities already have the duty to promote the establishment of school boards."

"481”, “No, should have a duty to promote a board but not determine how it works."

"482”, “Education authorities already have a duty to promote the establishment of school boards at the time of elections every two years."

"483”, “Generally Yes, with safeguards."

"484”, “It seems reasonable that those responsible for the quality of education delivered in their local authority region should encourage an important ....plank.... in delivering that quality involvement.  What it means to promote is open to very wide interpretation."

"485”, “LA already have a duty to promote establishment of school board."

Parent Forums - Draft Bill