Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

Question 8

Do you agree with the proposal for the involvement of education authorities to get the initial parent forum off the ground ?  If not, what alternative would you suggest ?

"1”, “No - keep supporting School Board development"

"2”, “No - See Question 4"

"3”, “No - again this pre-supposes we want a Forum - status quo to remain!"

"4”, “I would suggest they have parent forums as complementary, extra, to the School then assess it. "

"5”, “No - parents should continue to vote for Board members"

"6”, “Yes - I anticipate some guidance needed initially.  As a parent I do not see Education Authority as interfering in this respect but I'm interested to see that some Headteachers do!"

"7”, “There would have to be guidelines on structure or nothing would happen"

"8”, “Yes"

"9”, “No - happy with School Board"

"10”, “No"

"11”, “No - for reasons given in response to question 6"

"12”, “"

"13”, “Each school would be better to set local forums to meet their needs"

"14”, “If this is the only way forward, then Yes"

"15”, “No - too big for Education Authority due to possible diversity of styles"

"16”, “It is the school's responsibility but the Education Authority could aid in terms of providing information on other Boards and their activities"

"17”, “Not necessary for new forum but can provide help in adopting new ways of working"

"18”, “Not necessary for new forum but can provide guidance and support to School Boards in new ways of working"

"19”, “Yes - but our parents don't want change"

"20”, “Yes - authorities should provide much of the momentum in the initial place.  Organisations such as the SSBA/SPTC could have useful input at this stage"

"21”, “No - SSBA "

"22”, “Yes"

"23”, “Yes"

"24”, “"

"25”, “Yes"

"26”, “No see question 6"

"27”, “No - leave it alone - without the required presence of the Head Teacher there is no point to this change"

"28”, “N/A"

"29”, “Must have education authority input to instil interest and inform any future change"

"30”, “Disagree with concept of parent forum as replacement for School Board"

"31”, “"

"32”, “No - leave system as it is"

"33”, “No - we are not departing from the idea of a School Board"

"34”, “I do not agree with the principles of this in any way"

"35”, “No  - leave the existing system in place"

"36”, “No - keep School Boards"

"37”, “No - to back the structure of the School Board as it stands"

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

"39”, “"

"40”, “Yes"

"41”, “Retain the Boards"

"42”, “Education Authorities should be involved in supporting the modification of School Boards as outlined above."

"43”, “Yes"

"44”, “Yes, guidance and structure required"

"45”, “Yes there should be  a standard structure set by the Scottish Executive to standardise a minimum core structure for forums throughout the country.  Education authorities should establish guidelines for the core organisation of forums to ensure a common 'core' in their area.  Each school should have the ability to further develop their own forum to suit its particular needs."

"46”, “Only where there is a no existing body (Board/PTA) otherwise why not make use of them to establish forums"

"47”, “No - SSBA should lead"

"48”, “Yes"

"49”, “"

"50”, “"

"51”, “Leave as status quo.  If it's not broken don't fix it.  We would see our Board as currently very effective"

"52”, “No - why increase work loads unnecessarily.  Extra resources would be required to get individual, constitutionally sound local forums and running.  It is debatable whether more involvement will result or whether it will still be the same staff supporting School Boards - modifications to this legislation could be easily disseminated and a locally flexible, more open, inclusive Board structure could be put into place fairly easily instead.  New Boards can always be more actively promoted."

"53”, “No - 'status quo' with School Boards.  If Forums were to happen then they would have to be started by someone."

"54”, “"

"55”, “We still think the present system is fine.  An update in responsibilities is needed"

"56”, “No"

"57”, “No -  parents have plenty of opportunity to communicate with existing School Boards - why not use the Boards to initiate changes?"

"58”, “Yes"

"59”, “"

"60”, “Yes"

"61”, “The success of School Boards which have the support of education authorities proves the need for the involvement of education authorities both in the initial stage and long term.  We do not however agree with the radical change proposed."

"62”, “"

"63”, “Local Education Authorities should support School Boards in becoming more flexible."

"64”, “Some sort of starting up framework should be offered to parents"

"65”, “"

"66”, “"

"67”, “We believe that the local authorities (and Scottish Executive) should be encouraged to suggest the merits of different models to parents including the existing one of democratic elections.  We support the principle of attempting to ensure that parent forums are widely representative of both the geographical areas on which the school draws as well as its various year groups."

"68”, “No - preserve current system"

"69”, “If it has to be done then the authority should be responsible but we do not see how this could be achieved with any ease."

"70”, “Firstly the Boards feels that School Boards should not be abolished in favour of parent forums.  If the Bill is passed we agree the Education Authority should be involved to assist parents if that is what they request."

"71”, “"

"72”, “"

"73”, “"

"74”, “Yes - if it goes ahead"

"75”, “No - the present status quo is fine"

"76”, “Yes to first part"

"77”, “We do not agree with the open forum and opt for continuation of School Boards"

"78”, “No - as Parent Forums are only a proposal so we cannot agree."

"79”, “Education Authorities should assist School Boards to become more flexible, or by asking what alternatives parents might wish to see."

"80”, “No.  If this legislation does come to pass then authorities will have to do this.  If apathy rules at the moment due to the election process, how can you expect parents to get to grips with preparing Constitutions!!??"

"81”, “ No - in School Board's current format"

"82”, “If the Bill goes ahead - yes, otherwise Authorities should be encouraged to actively promote and facilitate Boards in areas where interest is low."

"83”, “"

"84”, “No - retain current system"

"85”, “If parent forums are way forward then LA should be involved.  However a more appropriate role for the LA would be to work towards a wider representative School Board"

"86”, “Yes"

"87”, “"

"88”, “No - via Scottish Executive guidelines the local authorities should be guided and supported to form revised and developed School Boards.  This need not be prescriptive but should reflect a statutory requirement for co-operation and consultation between all stakeholders of the education process."

"89”, “"

"90”, “"

"91”, “No, as per NO at question 4."

"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”, “Encourage, but not enforce."

"94”, “If it were to go ahead, assistance would be crucial."

"95”, “If the bill is passed, yes education authority backing would be vital."

"96”, “"

"97”, “Only if no board exists already in that school.  Otherwise board members would likely gravitate naturally towards new system."

"98”, “If it goes ahead, education authorities will need to get involved."

"99”, “No.  Keep school board system intact."

"100”, “Yes"

"101”, “Yes"

"102”, “N / A"

"103”, “If forums are the way forward then I would agree the authorities should be involved."

"104”, “The education authorities would need to drive the new initiative but a better use of funds would be an adaptation of the present system to allow for greater flexibility."

"105”, “No, retain school boards."

"106”, “Leave system as school boards."

"107”, “Yes"

"108”, “Retain school boards"

"109”, “No"

"110”, “This assumes that there will be new parent forums.  We believe that existing school boards should be 'tweaked'."

"111”, “Education authorities must make it clear what they expect from a forum and give some help to get started and support once we're up and running."

"112”, “"

"113”, “N / A"

"114”, “Yes"

"115”, “Yes, if parents can't find a way forward themselves."

"116”, “Yes, they need to be involved if change is happening."

"117”, “The proposals are unclear.  See QS9."

"118”, “Yes"

"119”, “Why not leave school boards alone, but help to support them to do a better job"

"120”, “Is.......necessary ?"

"121”, “Education authorities have got to co-ordinate the establishment of parental forums, if they were to proceed."

"122”, “Yes, as initial parent forum would need their knowledge and expertise.  Parents should not be able to opt out this proposal."

"123”, “Yes, should parent forums be the way ahead."

"124”, “No, if school asks for help, then do so otherwise leave alone."

"125”, “No, I feel the school should do this as they have more idea of the parents and the needs of their own pupils."

"126”, “Since I do not basically agree that a great change of direction is required then this would not require an answer.  However if the change is made the authority involvement would be required."

"127”, “Yes"

"128”, “Blank"

"129”, “We would suggest leaving school boards in place.
If the draft bill is pushed through then education authorities will have to be involved in getting most forums off the ground."

"130”, “No - unnecessary - current system working well."

"131”, “Yes, we think this is essential to get a recognised structure in place."

"132”, “Blank"

"133”, “No.  School modernisation is best."

"134”, “Yes"

"135”, “No.  We feel that the School Board only needs slight changes rather than the introduction of a parental forum."

"136”, “Blank"

"137”, “Yes, the education authorities must be involved."

"138”, “Yes"

"139”, “If must have a forum, their help would be welcome"

"140”, “Continue with existing school boards."

"141”, “If we don't agree to parent forums then how can we agree to this."

"142”, “Stick with existing legislation."

"143”, “Yes if Bill goes ahead."

"144”, “Yes - Local Authority."

"145”, “"

"146”, “"

"147”, “Definitely not."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “Yes"

"150”, “Yes"

"151”, “This question already assumes we wish a parent forum when we are happy with the status quo."

"152”, “Not in favour of parent forum"

"153”, “No
School should agree between themselves.  Teacher / Parent involvement."

"154”, “I agree"

"155”, “Blank"

"156”, “Yes"

"157”, “N / A"

"158”, “Yes"

"159”, “"

"160”, “N / A"

"161”, “Yes - but build on existing rather than start from scratch."

"162”, “Local authority should be supportive of implementing school boards, if that is what local parents want.  If no support from parents for a school boards will parent forum get a better response?"

"163”, “Yes - the education authority must provide some guidelines and initial help."

"164”, “I don't agree that education authorities need to get involved in this when the current School Board framework could easily  be used to further improve parental involvement."

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

"166”, “"

"167”, “Specific guidance on initial set up of forums has to be included in the legislation.  Input from local authorities should be welcomed thereafter."

"168”, “Keep the School Boards."

"169”, “EA involvement is essential.  The variety of proposed options shows that the Scottish Executive doesn't know what to suggest!"

"170”, “The Education Authority should be involved"

"171”, “No via Scottish Executive guidelines the local authorities should be guided and supported to form revised and developed School Boards.  This need not be prescriptive but should reflect a statutory requirement for co-operation and consultation between all stakeholders of the education process.  The use of co-opted members should be encouraged to provide a broader spectrum of school and community support."

"172”, “No this is not required a system is already off the ground in the form of a School Board"

"173”, “Yes there has to be this involvement.  An element of formality has to be present to enable the organisation to progress correctly and adequately."

"174”, “EA would prefer all forums to be of similar type for each of communication and management.  If it is left to individual groups without identity they will lose their strength."

"175”, “Just keep the present School Boards.  If the school cannot get parents together we don't think the authorities would have much luck."

"176”, “For the idea to work at all EAs would have to be involved."

"177”, “Don't agree that there is a need for change."

"178”, “We already have a School Board and PTA arrangement which we would wish to keep."

"179”, “School Boards should be retained.  The education authorities should be involved in promoting parental involvement in all forms."

"180”, “"

"181”, “"

"182”, “Education authorities must be involved in the forums.  For the most part parents have no knowledge of how the education system works except for their children's experience."

"183”, “If parent forums are to be established it would be appropriate for Education Authorities to take the lead.  The Authority should not have to wait for 25% of the parent body to request assistance - the authority should have a duty to offer assistance."

"184”, “Don't agree - reason being why should education authorities be left to take on this duty.  Tweak the existing system , make some changes, not abolish, dismantle existing system - that works!"

"185”, “"

"186”, “Yes"

"187”, “Yes - School Board"

"188”, “No.  Do not agree with forum."

"189”, “The individual school and parents should decide what they want for their local school."

"190”, “No.  Education Authorities do not have the resources to initiate this in multiple schools."

"191”, “"

"192”, “Should keep School Boards"

"193”, “Yes - their help and support is vital - parents don't want to spend months taking about the new forum's structure."

"194”, “Yes if the change of School Boards to parent forums is inevitable."

"195”, “Yes, fine."

"196”, “Yes"

"197”, “No - is this not the case right now."

"198”, “Stay with current situation which is working well.  If this gets the go-ahead, then it would be important for the education authorities to be involved.  Use existing SB and or PTA."

"199”, “Acceptable if necessary"

"200”, “Yes"

"201”, “Status quo."

"202”, “Yes or the Scottish Executive"

"203”, “It would be necessary to have EA support and advice at all key stages of set up."

"204”, “Yes"

"205”, “Yes.  How feasible is this though if every school has a different structure of forum ?
What additional funding will Scottish Executive give to authorities to undertake this task ?"

"206”, “No"

"207”, “No - would suggest their involvement better placed within the context of a slightly amended 'school board'."

"208”, “No"

"209”, “Yes."

"210”, “Yes"

"211”, “Yes - definitely."

"212”, “As question 6 (  they can achieve this by providing more support for existing arrangements e.g. providing a clerk, coaching for members. ) Authorities should support & facilitate the existing arrangements."

"213”, “Particular attention should be given to schools where there is currently no School Board or PTA but there should continue to be a support unit."

"214”, “Yes, if parent forums agreed to be the way forward."

"215”, “Support current school board."

"216”, “No - leave it up to individual school."

"217”, “Blank"

"218”, “School Boards are adequate and parents have an input."

"219”, “Blank"

"220”, “No"

"221”, “Please refer to reply in Q4 ( There is room for reform but not necessarily replacement. )"

"222”, “Not applicable.  Do not support change to ""parents forum""."

"223”, “No.  We prefer to see continued strong support for the existing school board."

"224”, “"

"225”, “Yes"

"226”, “No
Maintain the status quo"

"227”, “No - ""tweak"" the existing legislation."

"228”, “No.  Happy with current format."

"229”, “No"

"230”, “Blank"

"231”, “Yes.  If they work along side SSBA and parents."

"232”, “"

"233”, “Yes"

"234”, “Yes.  It has to be the responsibility of the education service.  It should be a matter of importance to the education service to do this."

"235”, “Not in favour of Parent Forum so this would not be necessary."

"236”, “Yes, council very useful in setting up school boards."

"237”, “"

"238”, “Again education authorities support the present system of school boards at the initial stages."

"239”, “No, I think the Head Teacher should do this, but the education authority would instruct the HT to promote."

"240”, “As before - no, do not think total change is required, but, if Parent Forums are to be set up, is a huge task so help would be needed or we may end up with nothing."

"241”, “No.  No change required to existing School Boards - therefore no alternative required and at no cost to the authorities."

"242”, “Guidelines required so schools need a base to start from.  Scottish Executive needs to help councils and extra help may be required to allow schools without boards to start up."

"243”, “No.  Schools better placed to get parents involved."

"244”, “Existing Board members and members of PTAS should have enough experience to ....... these groups."

"245”, “Again assumes support for parent forums.  Local authorities should currently support school boards & PFAs and use these positive examples to encourage widest possible participation in other areas."

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “Yes - we need some help in setting it up."

"249”, “Existing School Boards should drive the establishment of the new forums."

"250”, “Yes"

"251”, “Yes - this is essential."

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “No we suggest tweaking the present School Board system"

"255”, “Yes if the forums are going ahead"

"256”, “Yes"

"257”, “No we believe School Boards should be modified and be a powerful voice in airing the concerns of parents."

"258”, “As before we are not in favour of the new bill and introduction of forums."

"259”, “Yes if this means helping schools get the parent forums running. - without LA assistance danger that no parent forums ever formed."

"260”, “Yes"

"261”, “Should there be a new set up then we would agree with the proposal."

"262”, “Yes in supportive advisory capacity"

"263”, “Yes - designated offices within authority"

"264”, “Yes"

"265”, “Yes to give guidance."

"266”, “No - education authorities should assist School Boards in becoming more flexible"

"267”, “"

"268”, “"

"269”, “No - Boards work fine"

"270”, “No - status quo"

"271”, “Yes - if it goes ahead guidance will be needed"

"272”, “No - we consider if the education authority supported the status quo and provide additional resources to encourage parents enrolment then this would result in strengthening the current system."

"273”, “Work through School Boards and school staff."

"274”, “This is ridiculous - how would an unknown paper-pusher from the authority know where o start - or more importantly with whom?  Just leave it along."

"275”, “If it has to be changed, then the authorities input would be necessary."

"276”, “No"

"277”, “No - leave the present system in place"

"278”, “No - the current system works well just now."

"279”, “Yes - but only where authorities do not support School Boards"

"280”, “"

"281”, “"

"282”, “It is all about money.  Cash should be allocated (extra cash) if forum achieved."

"283”, “Yes, as stated elsewhere the legitimacy of the parent forum in the eyes of the wider parental community must be established and assured."

"284”, “Minority (1) replies Yes.
Majority (4) replied no with comments - leave status quo; should be responsibility of head teacher; keep school boards."

"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 this goes ahead, of course the LEA must take responsibility."

"288”, “Not able to answer this as we are wholly against the creation of parent forums."

"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, we are not in agreement of a major change from the present arrangements for school boards."

"295”, “It is questionable whether the education authorities need be involved at this stage. If they have promoted the setting up the parent forum, the bill then allows complete freedom for the interested parents to form the forum they want."

"296”, “"

"297”, “Yes and No. Yes in the sense that if forums are introduced the education authorities need to be involved. No in that we would prefer the current school board system is left in place."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “Education authorities should not be involved in the initiation of parent forums. The education authority should actively promote parental involvement in the existing bodies and identify and resolve those issues which either prevent or discourage active parental contribution. Simplification of the School Board Election process would be beneficial."

"305”, “"

"306”, “If it has to be done then the authority should be responsible but we do not see how this could be achieved with any ease."

"307”, “"

"308”, “"

"309”, “"

"310”, “We do not agree with the proposal to replace the Boards with Parent Forums but if they go ahead then the Education Authority must be involved to help and give the necessary endorsement to the Forum."

"311”, “We do not agree with the proposed Parent Forums.  The money which would be used for this could be used for existing School Boards.
"

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “Does this mean no School Board or is it something which School Board could take part in."

"315”, “"

"316”, “Referring to our answer to Question 6 (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.), Education Authorities are currently promoting parental involvement in schools.  The potentially wide spectrum of Parent Forum structures which could appear would make education authority involvement redundant or even unworkable."

"317”, “This question appears to be the same as question 6 - who else would be involved except education authorities?"

"318”, “Suggest authorities devote more time on upgrading schools and teaching skills - look at discipline in school i.e. behaviour units."

"319”, “It seems the education department want to oversee the set up then walk away from any future responsibilities."

"320”, “No - we suggest keeping School Boards.  The local authority is involved in setting up and maintaining and it should stay that way."

"321”, “Yes - number of parents required to initiate process must be reduced.  There must be adequate support so that parent volunteers are not over burdened with work, otherwise parents will not be willing to get involved."

"322”, “Leave the School Boards as they are, but alter the election process which is intimidating for some parents."

"323”, “No - education authorities have a system working to promote better education via School Boards.  Help improve the existing Act."

"324”, “If introduced this would appear the only way."

"325”, “Yes"

"326”, “Yes"

"327”, “Education authorities should use these resources and facilities to promote a wider interest in School Boards instead."

"328”, “Yes"

"329”, “No - we still feel authorities should be allowed to assist Boards in improving the existing (tweaking) procedure."

"330”, “Yes - if it is to be changed."

"331”, “"

"332”, “Education authorities have to be involved whether it is through the existing Board system or through any proposed modification."

"333”, “Yes"

"334”, “I think it would be sensible to have input from the education authority in the initial stages otherwise it could be chaos!"

"335”, “Yes"

"336”, “Yes"

"337”, “Yes"

"338”, “Local authority should be supportive of implementing School Boards, if that is what local parents want.  If no support from parents for a School Board will parent forum get a better response?"

"339”, “School Boards should be modernised."

"340”, “"

"341”, “No this is too open.  The parent community will not be able to decide the means of appointment without a statutory structure to give guidance."

"342”, “(Our) School Board agrees that the education authority should be involved to get the initial parent forum off the ground, if that route were chosen. If the authority is to be expected to support parents, they need to be involved in some capacity."

"343”, “A more appropriate role for the Local Authority would be to work towards a wider representative School Board."

"344”, “If the proposed model is enacted, we agree with this suggestion."

"345”, “NO - we suggest that the current School Board model be reviewed and compared with other school board models in use in the UK (public and private sector) as well as abroad to explore how the current approach can be incrementally improved and refined. We do not support repeal of the current School Board mechanism."

"346”, “There is an opportunity to build on the best practice already in place. 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it"".

The numbers of parents required before the authority can be asked to initiate the parent forum process should be reduced.

A quorum would have to be agreed.

What level of education authority involvement should be expected parents should have a say in the amount of 'direction' given.

There should be a designated officer within the education authority with responsibility for the implementation.

The answer to question 8 is Yes - initially the education authority should be involved.
"

"347”, “Our preferred alternative would be for the EAs to work closely with School Boards to improve their effectiveness. "

"348”, “Again, and only in the event that parent forums are the way forward, it would be a must to have guidance from the authority on getting started. Whilst we can't speak for the authority, we would imagine though that they would be looking to the Executive to provide some guidance, as again it would seem a duplication of effort for each authority to develop local policies/processes. We also question what will happen with the Scottish School Board Association (SSBA) and how the Executive would plan to harness the significant experience and resource of this organisation."

"349”, “Yes.  Without this, there is a danger that parental involvement may actually decline."

"350”, “Section 3.2 of the consultation document is particularly weak and fails to provide any real guidance on how Parent Forums should be established. Generalised statements about School Boards, PTAs etc do nothing to support the notion that the Scottish Executive really has a clear idea of the future role, and importance, of effective parental representation.
It is suggested in the consultation paper that a Parent Forum may consist of all parents in a school, and when meeting they will ensure ""that the views of any absentees are sought and taken account of'. How exactly do the Scottish Executive expect this requirement to be met in practice?  What happens if parents in a school cannot agree to the best way of establishing a Parental Forum, or its terms of reference? Who acts as arbitrator?
It is suggested that a Parental Forum may be established without any education authority involvement - which is hardly a ringing endorsement for future partnership working.  If Parental Forums are to be the model for parental involvement in the future it is inevitable that education authorities will have to take a lead in their initial formation.
"

"351”, “"

"352”, “"

"353”, “"

"354”, “The Educational Authority should leave this to the individuals 'revolved to listen to the parental needs and those of the school.
"

"355”, “Yes, if the parents meeting to set up the new forum has a majority vote in favour of educational authority.  If parents favoured a parent forum based upon either its school board or its PTA that body could be instructed to set up the new parent forum.  We believe that the greatest single weakness of the new proposed scheme is to let each parent forum decide on its own size, constitution, membership, modus operandi etc.  We believe that it is unlikely a useful parental contribution will result from this.  In our experience any even semi-public body needs to have some laid down controls and practices to be effective and not just involved in continuous argument about what has previously been agreed.  Agendas, minutes and a constitution are essential in producing meaningful action and the education authority should lay down minimum standards for this."

"356”, “"

"357”, “Current level of support is good."

"358”, “Yes.

The Bill leaves open the possibility that an Education Authority might not initiate the process of establishing the Parent Forum, and it would require one quarter of parents (25 parents in a school of 100 pupils) to require the Education Authority to initiate the process. It is highly unlikely that there would be sufficiently strong feeling from enough parents to set this in motion. If the change to Parent Forums goes ahead Education Authorities should be obliged to initiate the process of setting Parent Forums up whether or not any parents request it, or if only one parent does so.
"

"359”, “"

"360”, “Yes"

"361”, “- Involvement yes but not to run once got off the ground.
- Any other way would result in nothing getting done.
- School Boards evolve in the way business is conducted and should continue to be allowed to do so as they can respond quickly to issues and thus important not to be in a ""straight jacket"".
"

"362”, “DEFINITELY NOT  Stick with the School Board Act and School Boards.  Well maintained and serviced by experience.  If it ain't broke - don't fix it!
"

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “N / A"

"367”, “"

"368”, “"

"369”, “No - I do not agree.  Continual monitoring of the 1988 Act and appropriate 'tweaking of it is necessary."

"370”, “Yes - for the sake of guidance."

"371”, “We suggest that things are kept as they are. It works well in (our) Authority."

"372”, “School Boards already operating well - no need for new 'initial' assistance."

"373”, “N/A"

"374”, “Yes - authorities would need to assist set up parent forum in conjunction with existing groups, authority to provide broad guidelines, through the HT and staff at school."

"375”, “We have a structure, why can we not leave this in place?  If School Boards are to be eliminated we will need a formal framework to follow."

"376”, “No - I think the School Board should be left as it is but with minor adjustments."

"377”, “No - we would much prefer it if we could all work together to enhance the system as we have it without the major changes proposed.  Their time would be much better spent speaking to each individual School Board to see how they could assist us in encouraging more parents to be involved with the School and the Board."

"378”, “I agree with authority involvement to assist with the process.  The present system of continuing involvement by the authority ensures that fairness is followed."

"379”, “A more appropriate role for the LA would be to work towards a wider representative School Board."

"380”, “Yes - if parent forums have to be established parents would value the support of local authority to ensure basic ground rules were established."

"381”, “Guidance would be required and support given if we have to adopt a new system, but if a school has an effective system in place why enforce change?"

"382”, “I think the School Board should be left in place with minor adjustments."

"383”, “Yes - parent forums will need guidance and support from the education authorities.  They need to provide a model and one single constitution to help parents."

"384”, “Rather than propose involvement from EAs why not simply mention that parents can, if they want, ask for help and advice over how they want to structure their forum etc and how to go about setting it up."

"385”, “If this is the replacement of the School Board then how else would it be done?"

"386”, “Only if it is a guiding hand and not a 'big brother is watching you'"

"387”, “Yes, education authorities should be involved to get the forum off the ground, but also involved thereafter if possible and if required."

"388”, “No"

"389”, “Requirement of Education Authority involvement should probably be on individual basis, where school (parent forum) considers it appropriate.  Would not be required if School Board/PTA/forum were confident in transition from Board/PTA set up to new status."

"390”, “No - not if this is only involvement - would prefer ongoing involvement."

"391”, “Yes - the education authority should be involved to get the initial parent forum off the ground.  My concern is that the involvement is only initially.  There should be ongoing involvement."

"392”, “It has to be done by the education department.  They have the lead responsibility but more importantly they should see the value of this development as a way of promoting lifelong learning."

"393”, “On assumption that parent forums were to exist - then yes.  But we disagree with the fundamentals of the draft bill - as already stated."

"394”, “Keep the School Boards which work very well."

"395”, “Keep School Boards"

"396”, “Keep School Boards - why mend what isn't broken."

"397”, “"

"398”, “No - let's keep School Boards as they are!"

"399”, “Do not agree with parent forum."

"400”, “Don't agree with parent forum"

"401”, “No"

"402”, “Whatever the involvement/representation the authority should have responsibility for getting it off the ground and ensuring its replacement should it subsequently collapse."

"403”, “"

"404”, “If forums come into existence support from the educational authority is absolutely essential to get them off the ground.  We find the example of a model forum as ""something that may resemble a School Board"" misleading since the essence of a Board is its statutory basis including its rights and duties, which no forum with lesser rights and duties can replicate except as an aspiration with no legal force."

"405”, “The narrative in the Consultation document describes a variety of different models.  It refers to ""Parent Teacher Associations"", over which this consultation has no concern.  In effect, the Scottish Executive is proposing that the parent groups should be flexible in size and nature.  There is some merit in this approach provided there is appropriate structure in place.
"

"406”, “We are in principle in favour of the authority encouraging and supporting parental involvement (see for example qu. 3).  However, there is a danger that, if starting from scratch, the process of establishing a structure may be time-consuming and will consume parental energy that might otherwise be fruitfully directed to other issues in the school.
"

"407”, “Yes, if the bill goes ahead and School Boards are, unfortunately, abolished the LEA will have to initiate
the formation of Forums in all schools. This should be a mandatory requirement and not determined by a
group of parents asking for help to do this."

"408”, “"

"409”, “No.  School Boards should remain as constituted by the 1988 Act as amended."

"410”, “"

"411”, “"

"412”, “The Education Authority should be obliged to assist in setting up Parent Forums - if they are to exist.  It would be unrealistic to expect 25% of parents to get together to request that the Education Authority to do so.
"

"413”, “"

"414”, “Blank"

"415”, “"

"416”, “"

"417”, “"

"418”, “"

"419”, “Without the involvement of education authorities, it is likely to be difficult to get parent forums launched and established."

"420”, “"

"421”, “"

"422”, “"

"423”, “No. As stated within the response to questions 5 and 6 the School Board currently has responsibility to encourage the formation of a PTA and therefore the School Board should continue to play an active part in
 encouraging parental involvement."

"424”, “No - we are opposed to any change within the outline framework of the School Board Scotland Act."

"425”, “"

"426”, “Many School Boards would be more than capable of setting up their initial parent forum. However, for others, Education Authorities would need to be involved - don't see an alternative independent body?!"

"427”, “Yes"

"428”, “Section3.2 of the consultation document is particularly weak and fails to provide any real guidance on how Parent Forums should be established. Generalized statements about School Boards, PTAs etc do nothing to support the notion that the Scottish Executive really has a clear idea of the future role, and importance, of effective parental representation.

It is suggested in the consultation paper that a Parent Forum may consist of all parents in a school, and when meeting they will ensure ""that the views of any absentees are sought and taken account of'.  How exactly do the Scottish Executive expect this requirement to be met in practice?  What happens if parents in a school cannot agree to the best way of establishing a Parental Forum, or its terms of reference?  Who acts as arbitrator?

It is suggested that a Parental Forum may be established without any education authority involvement - which is hardly a ringing endorsement for future partnership working.  If Parental Forums are to be the model for parental involvement in the future it is inevitable that education authorities will have to take a lead in their initial formation.
"

"429”, “No. The Board does not agree with the parent forum as a concept.  The existing legislation should be reviewed and brought up to date.  An education authority should have a duty to promote the formation and nourishment of school boards, including, where appropriate, composite boards."

"430”, “If Parent Forums are ultimately considered to be the best way forward then Education Authorities must be involved in the arrangements for the setting up of the forums.  Should there be no involvement by the Education Authorities then there could well be schools where, left to themselves, parents were unable, or unwilling, to take matters forward on their own.  This begs the question of the necessity to replace the current system."

"431”, “Such support (provision of advisory, organisational and secretarial resources) is critical to the success of any new parental forum - the lack of such support probably being a major contributor to many of the deficiencies of existing School Boards! However, it must be ongoing if any such forum is to succeed, and not wither once the ""set up forum"" box is ticked.  Again, please note we intend this response to refer to a forum similar to that outlined in our reply to Question 6, not as detailed in the draft bill."

"432”, “Yes - this would appear to be essential and should also involve the school e.g. the Head Teacher. A basic format for setting up the forum should be applied (see answer to questions 5,& 6)."

"433”, “School boards should be modernised."

"434”, “If parent forums are to be created, the Board can see the merit in involving education authorities in assisting in their formation.  This will be particularly important if the forum is to be regarded as an agent of the education authority."

"435”, “Double-sided:  Of course we agree that schools that have no functioning Parental bodies such as School Boards or PTAs should get help, but this should not be a forced issue.
Indeed, this question acknowledges the fact that these forums could run into trouble getting off the ground.  This is already indicative of the problems perceived by the inherent lack of structure and guidance.  You must think of parents that may come in the future with little knowledge.
It may be true that some schools are struggling with School Board and PTA membership as the proposals seem to suggest with only small numbers being willing to join.  These members while few however, are often School Board and PTA members who' are also the most dedicated parent members ever likely to represent parental involvement in schools, and more importantly - display the commitment required to - in effect - maintain the continuity of bodies that represent parental involvement.
Regulating forums and getting them off the ground will no doubt require the skills of organised and relatively confident individuals.  If current thoughts are that decreasing formality is one of the reasons for introducing forums - on the grounds that this will improve parents' involvement in schools - one should then ask where such individuals required to regulate forums will come from if they are fazed by formality.
"

"436”, “No. We do not agree with the bill and the establishment of parent forums in the first place, therefore this question is not applicable.
"

"437”, “Agree, with provisions.
- The numbers of parents required before the authority can be asked to initiate the parent forum process should be reduced.
- There should be a designated officer within the education authority with
 responsibility for the implementation.
"

"438”, “We believe that the existing arrangements are generally satisfactory & that (our) authority is already involved & supportive of these existing arrangements.
Note that this question is poorly stated.
The question assumes that the Draft Bill arrangements are inevitable.

"

"439”, “Yes. Without this involvement some forums may never get off the ground."

"440”, “This question makes the assumption that School Boards are definitely to be terminated.  If the duty lies with the education authorities this is in conflict with current proposals to increase Devolved School Management."

"441”, “Yes"

"442”, “Yes"

"443”, “"

"444”, “"

"445”, “"

"446”, “Yes"

"447”, “Yes"

"448”, “"

"449”, “Yes, but current legislation does this."

"450”, “No, we wish to keep a school board but wish to have help from the authority to promote this."

"451”, “No.  Keep as school board as is at the moment."

"452”, “"

"453”, “Yes"

"454”, “Yes"

"455”, “"

"456”, “"

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “Yes"

"459”, “Yes"

"460”, “No, we do not agree with any of the proposals."

"461”, “As drafted, it'll be a big enough shambles even with authority involvement."

"462”, “Blank"

"463”, “School boards to stay with improved involvement from parents."

"464”, “Encourage existing arrangements."

"465”, “EA involvement is essential.  The variety or proposed options shows that the Scottish Executive doesn't know what to suggest!"

"466”, “Disagree - we feel that the Local Authority not only should get the forum off the ground, but provide a vigorous structure to maintain and support the Forum."

"467”, “Yes they should set up framework models and consult parents on which model they prefer locally."

"468”, “No - (Minister) to get a life and start listening to existing school boards."

"469”, “Yes"

"470”, “Yes - this is consistent with Qs 1,2 & 3"

"471”, “If parents are enthusiastic about the forum they will establish one, if not the education authority will not influence them."

"472”, “We don't agree with parent forums."

"473”, “I do not agree.  I feel that the involvement  of education authorities would discourage parents."

"474”, “No change is required, however the Education Authority obviously has to support all current statutory parent organisations."

"475”, “We do not agree with the parent forum plans but if they go ahead it is essential that the Education Authority co-ordinates the instigation."

"476”, “No - maintain and support the existing system with the promotion of parental involvement."

"477”, “Yes, but with input from outside bodies i.e.. SSBA, Scottish Executive, to ensure all areas have an equal and fair chance to setup these forums."

"478”, “Educational authorities should be continually involved in improving the level of participation in all parental groups such as school boards."

"479”, “I suggest that the school boards should be left in place.  Parents are welcome to attend these and voice their opinions.  Several parents attend our board meetings and we listen to and act upon their concerns.  The authorities should be encouraging other boards to do the same."

"480”, “If parent forums have to be set up, the education authority would have to be involved in the initial setting up procedures."

"481”, “Why change radically a system that works ?  It could be adjusted to be informed if this Draft Bill goes through it will set school boards / parental representation back 20 years."

"482”, “If parent forums were to be established as an alternative to school boards, it would be necessary to involve the authority in the initial setting up procedures."

"483”, “It has to be the education authority otherwise it would not get off the ground at all."

"484”, “It will serve EA and us all very well if they were to propose plug and play models, but this forums could adapt leaving things wholly free from will not work.  (A good plug and play model is a variation on the theme of the school board)."

"485”, “LA would have to be involved."

Parent Forums - Draft Bill