Making the difference – involving parents better in schools
Question 11
Do you have a view as to how the needs of looked-after children should be addressed and catered for in the Bill ?
"1”, “Yes - we have a
view"
"2”, “Increased
flexibility within the existing School Board framework would make
it easier to involve social workers/health workers etc"
"3”, “Representation
should reflect the make-up of the school"
"4”, “Term 'parents'
should also include foster parent or main carer at the time"
"5”, “No"
"6”, “Next nearest person
to parent (e.g. foster parents,gran) should be invited to sit on
forum - might wish to co-opt experts temporarily/by invitation
such as educational experts, psychologists"
"7”, “The needs of all
children should be of equal concern to the Board. Anyone
involved in care of these children’s should be allowed on
the Board"
"8”, “There should be no
distinction"
"9”, “Yes - we agree with
this aspect"
"10”, “Child/pupil
confidentiality should be left as it is."
"11”, “We have no
view."
"12”, “"
"13”, “Carers should be
treated as parents"
"14”, “This question is
not clearly set out. Yes, we feel that looked after
children should be represented by their guardians."
"15”, “Treat
carer/guardian as parent"
"16”, “Where applicable
representation should be made on their behalf or at least the
opportunity for representation offered"
"17”, “This could be
accommodated centrally by consultation/liaison - by Q10 in
education service for schools in area of responsibility"
"18”, “This could be
accommodated centrally by consultation/liaison with Quality
Improvement Officers in Education service for schools in each
area of responsibility"
"19”, “We need to know
what the changes you are intending to make are before we can
reply to this question"
"20”, “Guardians/carers
should have same involvement as parents"
"21”, “Should be
considered carefully - relevant professionals could be available
or co-opted for advice"
"22”, “Guidance should be
based on what currently happens under current legislation"
"23”, “Carers/foster
parents should be encouraged to take an active role in the
child's education"
"24”, “"
"25”, “Carers should be on
a forum to represent the children they look after"
"26”, “No"
"27”, “"
"28”, “N/A"
"29”, “"
"30”, “-"
"31”, “"
"32”, “No - do not approve
of proposed Bill"
"33”, “All children should
be treated in the same way"
"34”, “No"
"35”, “I do not agree that
there should be a Bill/Act"
"36”, “The guardians of
looked-after children should have the same voice as other
parents"
"37”, “"
"38”, “"
"39”, “"
"40”, “Yes"
"41”, “Only after
consultation with the parents/guardians who should advise on what
they know to be in the best interests of looked-after children;
not just hurled into mainstream education"
"42”, “Where this is
relevant, there should be a facility to co-opt a representative
from social services on to the School Board"
"43”, “No"
"44”, “"
"45”, “Parents acting 'in
loco parentis' should have equal rights of representation on any
parent forum"
"46”, “Already in by 'in
loco parentis'"
"47”, “Co-opted members -
parents can seek professional advice"
"48”, “Yes for any
guardians to be included"
"49”, “"
"50”, “"
"51”, “No - all children
should be given best learning experience - equality for all"
"52”, “All foster
parents/guardians etc should have the same rights as parents -
flexible co-option rules should give them access to
participate"
"53”, “Support network,
i.e. health visitors, social workers etc - not parent
forums"
"54”, “"
"55”, “Ridiculous question
at this time"
"56”, “No"
"57”, “No - don't know
enough about it"
"58”, “There should be
positive discrimination in their favour."
"59”, “"
"60”, “"
"61”, “In order to fully
represent looked after children the Head Teacher should represent
their interests"
"62”, “"
"63”, “The Bill should
reflect guidelines on looked after children"
"64”, “This does not seem
relevant to the above discussion."
"65”, “"
"66”, “"
"67”, “No"
"68”, “No separate
provision. One set of rules for everybody"
"69”, “A difficult area.
We believe that a Board would be a far more supportive
environment for discussions of this nature. It would be
very positive to hear the views of carers and others."
"70”, “No comment"
"71”, “"
"72”, “"
"73”, “"
"74”, “Children and carers
should not be disadvantaged"
"75”, “Looked after
children should have the same rights as other children"
"76”, “In a consistent
caring manner"
"77”, “The current
situation is sufficient"
"78”, “Looked after
children should enjoy the same rights to representation"
"79”, “The Bill should
reflect existing guidelines and legislation on looked after
children"
"80”, “No"
"81”, “These needs should
be addressed by an Advocate via School Boards or local authority
Education Department"
"82”, “Looked after
children need to be afforded the same access to provision with
Guardians and Foster Carers having parental rights in respect of
their schooling."
"83”, “"
"84”, “Parents or
Guardians should be able to sit on Boards/attend PTA
meetings"
"85”, “They are currently
looked after by the School Board. The School Board is made
up of parents, HT, teachers and the needs of looked after
children are therefore fully catered for by the present system -
see no need to change."
"86”, “Children should be
able to nominate who would be their representative"
"87”, “"
"88”, “They are key
stakeholders and should be represented through the co-opted
system together with the advice and support of the Local
Authorities."
"89”, “"
"90”, “"
"91”, “A carer should have
the same right as a parent."
"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”, “This question is
not relevant to school boards."
"94”, “This is
unnecessary."
"95”, “No"
"96”, “"
"97”, “Opportunity should
be provided for guardian's to make views known on behalf of
children (unsure as to how this currently operates)."
"98”, “As long as the best
interest & education of children is at the forefront."
"99”, “No. School
Board system makes provision for this already."
"100”, “Look after
children, concerns parents should be catered for under the
guidance of Headteacher."
"101”, “Blank."
"102”, “Present controls
are adequate."
"103”, “Blank."
"104”, “Normal procedure
for parents involved in caring for, managing, supervising or
being in sole charge of children - appropriate disclosure
checking."
"105”, “Yes, these
children should have representation like any child."
"106”, “?"
"107”, “Blank"
"108”, “No"
"109”, “No response"
"110”, “They should be
catered for as all other children."
"111”, “Obviously foster
parents etc would be eligible to be on forum.
(""look-after"" does this mean foster parents
?)"
"112”, “"
"113”, “Blank"
"114”, “No"
"115”, “No"
"116”, “The parents of the
child can discuss issues with the carer."
"117”, “Pass"
"118”, “If this refers to
children who are legally fostered the answer is 'yes' these
parents should be included."
"119”, “Blank"
"120”, “Foster parents
should have some rights as natural parents."
"121”, “No view"
"122”, “Disclosure checks
should be carried out for ALL members, if wishing to work
alongside children in their establishment."
"123”, “"
"124”, “Blank"
"125”, “No"
"126”, “Those legally
responsible would be considered as the same as parent."
"127”, “No specific view -
surely out with the scope of School Board or Parent Forum."
"128”, “Blank"
"129”, “No"
"130”, “It would be
accepted that carers would have equivalent opportunities to
parents as is currently the case."
"131”, “Blank"
"132”, “Blank"
"133”, “I do not have a
view on this."
"134”, “Treated as other
children and with same rights."
"135”, “Due to the fact we
are not an Integrated Community School we feel this is not
applicable to us."
"136”, “Blank"
"137”, “Carers of these
children should be actively encouraged to take part in school
life."
"138”, “Carers to be
encouraged to take an active part in school life."
"139”, “Don't have
answer"
"140”, “In the light of
equality they should not be treated differently to anyone
else."
"141”, “Foster parent
members ?"
"142”, “No"
"143”, “Foster carers
should have same rights as parents for this purpose."
"144”, “Nominated parents
should include carers."
"145”, “"
"146”, “"
"147”, “N / A as we do not
want forums and want school boards to remain."
"148”, “ N / A"
"149”, “Blank"
"150”, “a) yes
b) yes"
"151”, “No"
"152”, “No"
"153”, “No"
"154”, “N / A"
"155”, “Blank"
"156”, “Needs of
looked-after children should be catered for in the same way as
other children."
"157”, “N / A"
"158”, “A carer or
representative should be appointed."
"159”, “"
"160”, “Not appropriate
for a parent group this is a social services / education
department area."
"161”, “No differently to
everyone else."
"162”, “Existing
board."
"163”, “Exactly the same
as all other children."
"164”, “"
"165”, “Not willing to
answer 'loaded' questions about something unnecessary."
"166”, “"
"167”,
“Guardians/carers/key workers should be afforded the same
rights as parents."
"168”, “carers should be
'in loco parentis' and should have the accompanying rights"
"169”, “Broad definition
of 'parent' here"
"170”, “Parent helpers
should be disclosed if they are working in one to one activities
but it is not necessary for School Board personnel"
"171”, “They are key
stakeholders and should be represented through the co-opted
system together with the advice and support of the Local
Authorities"
"172”, “Why change the
present system? The duty of advice falls with the Head
Teacher. The school Board can co-opt a member to represent
these needs. A clear danger can be seen with no
representation of teaching staff being required on a parents
committee."
"173”, “No"
"174”, “"
"175”, “The best way is to
retain School Boards"
"176”, “'Looked after
children' - does this mean, adopted, or in care or? Whatever
system prevails these children have the same rights as children
with 2 parents or 1 parent."
"177”, “Don't have a
view."
"178”, “No but they should
be looked after."
"179”, “Looked after
children should have an equal right to representation via their
carers."
"180”, “"
"181”, “"
"182”, “No we have no
personal experience."
"183”, “Yes with carers of
'looked after children' being encouraged to be as actively
involved as parents. Their role should be equal to that of
a parent."
"184”, “No a relevant
question - outside agencies look after needs of children"
"185”, “"
"186”, “Main carers should
have same rights as parents."
"187”, “No"
"188”, “This is the
responsibility of the Education Authority."
"189”, “Blank"
"190”, “Carers are
equivalent to parents."
"191”, “"
"192”, “Possible co-opted
membership for foster carers would allow for change of
circumstance at later date."
"193”, “The person who is
acting as the parent, i.e. foster parent, should be allowed and
encouraged to become involved. This is not 'Granny' who
collects from school etc but the person the child lives
with."
"194”, “The nominated
carer(s) should have the same rights as parents."
"195”, “Carers are invited
to join the parent forum"
"196”, “Looked after
children exist in most schools. Legislation exists to
protect them."
"197”, “No"
"198”, “The people looking
after the children should be encouraged to become involved when
possible. Their representation is equally important."
"199”, “We do not have
enough background experience or information to answer this
question."
"200”, “"
"201”, “Looked after
children should have the same rights as other children."
"202”, “Looked after
children have the same rights as any other child."
"203”, “"
"204”, “"
"205”, “Blank"
"206”, “Goes without
saying - a child is a child regardless of life
circumstances."
"207”, “Blank"
"208”, “No view - but
surely it goes without saying, a child is a child regardless of
difference in ability."
"209”, “Blank"
"210”, “Appointment of
social work / care officer in schools with % of looked after
children."
"211”, “No view"
"212”, “They should be
represented by those responsible for them, i.e. council
reps."
"213”, “The parents /
guardians / carers of looked after children should have the same
rights as other children."
"214”, “No"
"215”, “No"
"216”, “No view."
"217”, “Blank"
"218”, “No"
"219”, “Blank"
"220”, “Blank"
"221”, “We think all
guardians should be eligible for placement on the forum."
"222”, “Representatives of
looked after children should not be excluded attending either as
co-opted or parent members."
"223”, “No comment."
"224”, “"
"225”, “No"
"226”, “The needs of
looked-after children should be the same as any other
child."
"227”, “No"
"228”, “The carer or
guardian of looked-after children should have the same rights as
parents."
"229”, “No"
"230”, “Blank"
"231”, “Blank"
"232”, “"
"233”, “Both parents and
carers of looked-after children should be catered for."
"234”, “No"
"235”, “Blank"
"236”, “Difficult question
to understand"
"237”, “"
"238”, “Foster parents /
guardians play a vital role in the care and needs of looked-
after children and should therefore be regarded as parents in the
Bill."
"239”, “Guardians may
attend Forums."
"240”, “Their needs should
be addressed in the same way as other children."
"241”, “Guardians should
have exactly the same rights as parents."
"242”, “The mere wording
'Parental Forum' looks to exclude these children what about the
inclusion !"
"243”, “Present system
does not identify individual needs or prevent attendance of
carers at meetings.
Board considers needs of all children in the school.
Needs of looked after children dealt with directly by the
school."
"244”, “No"
"245”, “Nominated carer
should be given full parental rights."
"246”, “"
"247”, “"
"248”, “No comment"
"249”, “If 'looked after'
means children cared for by A N Other organisation/institution,
surely they could be represented on the forum/Board by a member
of the organisation/institution?"
"250”, “Disclosure checks
as it stands"
"251”, “Parents of
looked-after children should be included. Children's carer
should be able to join parents forum."
"252”, “"
"253”, “"
"254”, “Yes - should be
the same as all other children"
"255”, “Social work
services should have input via the integrated learning
communities. The local authority should then set policy and
pass this to the school management team who will in turn inform
the School Board/parent forum of how the school is implementing
the policy"
"256”, “In residential
care - children's home representation"
"257”, “"
"258”, “carers should be
able to become members of Board. Local authorities may give
representation."
"259”, “Looked-after
children have a nominated carer/guardian and they should be
treated equally to any other parent"
"260”, “Via local
authority who have a duty of care for these children"
"261”, “Guardians should
have the same rights as parents."
"262”, “Foster carers,
guardians should be treated as parents"
"263”, “No"
"264”, “No"
"265”, “Their nominated
carer should have equal rights as other parents."
"266”, “The Bill should
reflect existing guidelines and legislation surrounding looked
after children"
"267”, “"
"268”, “"
"269”, “No"
"270”, “Yes"
"271”, “A strong team of
people should be in place to look after this groups needs -
i.e. nurse - health etc"
"272”, “Not
applicable"
"273”, “No"
"274”, “I am not clear
what 'looked after' children means. Special needs children
and catered for elsewhere and children without any parents
presumably have legal guardians."
"275”, “We have not
discussed this aspect of the Bill in detail."
"276”, “No -parents who
have decided to join the Board have or should have made
arrangements for their children themselves."
"277”, “No - though there
could be representation from health worker/social worker."
"278”, “Confidentiality
must be paramount in cases of looked after children. Neither
School Board nor any other forum are the appropriate place for
discussion of individual cases. Parental groups are these
to support their children's school, not to govern the way in
which technically trained and qualified people administer the
running of the school."
"279”, “The"
"280”, “"
"281”, “"
"282”, “Blank"
"283”, “The needs of
looked-after children are primarily the role and responsibility
of the school environment and curriculum rather than of a parent
forum. The role of the parent forum would be to ensure a
voice for all children."
"284”, “Comments - carers
should have same rights of representation as parents, current
laws cover most needs, have same input as a 'parent', balanced
and objective forum should be able to consider and look after the
interests of looked after children."
"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”, “Blank"
"288”, “We have no problem
with the current rulings for children with additional educational
needs, if this is what's meant by 'looking-after' children."
"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”, “If the child has a
key worker with parental responsibility this person would, in our
opinion, be able to make representation as a parent in the broad
sense."
"295”, “None"
"296”, “"
"297”, “All needs should
be catered for."
"298”, “"
"299”, “"
"300”, “"
"301”, “"
"302”, “"
"303”, “"
"304”, “The needs of
""looked after children"" should have equal
representation. Such equal representation is catered for
under the existing legislation for School Boards and PTAs."
"305”, “"
"306”, “A difficult area.
We believe that a Board would be a far more supportive
environment for discussions of this nature. It would be very
positive to hear the views of carers and others.
"
"307”, “"
"308”, “"
"309”, “"
"310”, “We are unsure what
looked-after children are so cannot give a view."
"311”, “We do not agree
with the draft Bill. Looked-after children are catered for
in the School Board legislation and they have the same rights as
any other child.
"
"312”, “"
"313”, “"
"314”, “No"
"315”, “School itself has
the expertise."
"316”, “Nominated carers
should have the same rights as parents."
"317”, “The nominated
carer should be given the same rights as parents on the
forum."
"318”, “No"
"319”, “No"
"320”, “We feel we are not
qualified to answer this."
"321”, “No view"
"322”, “No - if a child is
fostered the agency responsible can decide whether natural
parent, foster parent or guardian or the agency itself represents
the child."
"323”, “At present there
is not enough support for looked after children. Parent
forums would not have authority in statute to push for
changes."
"324”, “All adults who
have a responsibility for the education of the children under
their control should have equal access to the method of
involvement."
"325”, “No"
"326”, “"
"327”, “If necessary the
responsibilities of School Boards should be extended to include
this."
"328”, “If carers are
interested and have the time they should be able to
participate."
"329”, “We feel that a
child should always have a guardian to support children in their
school life."
"330”, “"
"331”, “"
"332”, “"
"333”, “No"
"334”, “No but if
membership to the parent forum is broad enough these children
should be represented by their carers and their specific needs
addressed as and when appropriate."
"335”, “Looked after
children should have the same rights and representation by carers
or guardians."
"336”, “The carers of
children (who are legally acting as parents) should have the same
responsibilities and rights as the child's natural parents.
If they are undertaking the duties and responsibilities of caring
they should equally have the right to ensure the child they are
caring for has the same opportunities as any other child. Temporary
carers (i.e. before or after school) are in loco parentis and as
such have the same duties responsibilities and rights as parents
for the period they are offering care."
"337”, “?"
"338”, “Existing
Board."
"339”, “Allocated member
of the Board to have a responsibility to ensure that their needs
are addressed."
"340”, “"
"341”, “If the child has a
key worker with parental responsibility this person would in our
opinion be able to make representation as a parent in the broad
sense."
"342”, “Ultimately, I
thought the reason for this Bill is to promote parents'
involvement in their children's widest learning experience, their
development and their ability to achieve their full potential. By
isolating the needs of ""looked-after
children"", in a small community this would identify
the individual children. Guardians, as parents have their
""ward's"" best interests at heart and should
be included in a parent's forum."
"343”, “We quote in part
(a) Council's response:- ""Looked after children
have a corporate parent. The corporate parent includes the
authority, but also includes the school. Therefore, by
definition, the needs of looked after children are catered for by
the Head Teacher and by staff of the school on the School
Board."""
"344”, “It could be
important to seek representation from foster carers/ children's
unit staff. It might also be helpful for Social Work management
to know that they can link with a parent body, regarding non-
confidential community issues, such as safety."
"345”, “N/A"
"346”, “No strong views.
Actively seek the views of carers. There is clarification
required of what ""parent"" means.
"
"347”, “There is no reason
why their rights (and those of their carers) should differ from
those of other children. "
"348”, “Clearly they have
the same rights for representation but defer to the experts as to
how best this is achieved."
"349”, “The Bill should
make explicit statements about the rights of children who are
looked after and accommodated. It needs to take into
account that a percentage of them will be in residential
accommodation e.g. children's units. "
"350”, “The definition of
parent needs to be flexible enough, so that all guardians,
including foster carers and other care professionals, can be part
of the Parental Forum within the school that the child in
question attends."
"351”, “"
"352”, “"
"353”, “"
"354”, “What is the real
cost of this and who pays? This is an imposition by the
Scottish Executive to have these disclosures completed ( although
we agree it is a safeguard) (Our) School has spent over £100
this year.
As long as parents and children are overseen by a staff member
there should be no need for 100% disclosures to be taken out.
"
"355”, “We have no
experience of this but see no reason why a nominated official of
an organisation looking after a child should not attend parent
forums."
"356”, “"
"357”, “All children's
needs should be catered for - surely their guardians would be
involved."
"358”, “Those responsible
for Looked After Children (whether as Foster Carers or Social
Workers) should have the same rights of access to the Parent
Forum as others"
"359”, “"
"360”, “Should include
parents/carers."
"361”, “- Already treated
equally. Have equal status.
- Question is irrelevant and insulting. Why is this question
here?
- Parents have equal status. This question should never have been
asked because they have same rights across the board anyway.
"
"362”, “YES - If you plan
to single out these children in the Bill.
The present School Board Bill encompasses ALL CHILDREN.
"
"363”, “"
"364”, “"
"365”, “"
"366”, “N / A"
"367”, “"
"368”, “"
"369”, “"
"370”, “I don't know how -
I just know that it is essential to look after the needs of all
children equally."
"371”, “No"
"372”, “Named
representative to be available for 'parent forum'"
"373”, “N/A"
"374”, “Treated the same
as any other child"
"375”, “They should be
catered for."
"376”, “The School Board
should stay and parents should be involved there."
"377”, “We have no
answer."
"378”, “No"
"379”, “We quote in part (a)
Council's response - ""Looked after children have a
corporate parent. The corporate parent includes the
authority, but also includes the school. Therefore, by
definition, the needs of looked after children are catered for by
the Head Teacher, and by staff of the school on the School
Board."
"380”, “Looked after
children should be represented by their carers who would be
considered 'parents/guardians' in such circumstances. Not
always willing to attend such forums."
"381”, “School and region
have a duty of care. No child should be affected by the
involvement or not of a parent on a forum!!"
"382”, “No"
"383”, “Carers of
looked-after children should have the same rights and
responsibilities as those incorporated in the definition of
parents."
"384”, “I can't honestly
comment on this one as I have no relevant experience of
looked-after children and wouldn't like to presume."
"385”, “Why single them
out? All children must have equal representation."
"386”, “One had to be
careful that this subject doesn't become a major talking
point."
"387”, “No."
"388”, “Same rights as
parents."
"389”, “'Carers' should be
considered to have the same representational rights within the
forum as parents."
"390”, “"
"391”, “No"
"392”, “We need detailed
discussion with the Social Work Dept. It would be difficult
to provide one answer as children are looked after in numerous
settings including at home."
"393”, “Local Authority
has responsibility. Children should have are lans. A
Social Worker could be a co-opted member. Watch for
stigmatisation."
"394”, “This is where
co-opted community members are important as in the School
Boards."
"395”, “"
"396”, “No view on
this."
"397”, “"
"398”, “No - why should
you specifically deal with looked after children - their needs
are addressed."
"399”, “No - feel I am not
qualified enough to answer this question."
"400”, “They should be
treated the same as everyone else unless there are special
circumstances."
"401”, “Yes"
"402”, “No"
"403”, “"
"404”, “The Board is not
qualified to have a view on this question. The issue of the
needs of looked-after children (but which needs? - the
consultation does not say) sits oddly within the main thrust of
these proposals."
"405”, “The Board has no
specific view on this issue.
"
"406”, “The freedom to
co-opt could be extended to include care professionals.
"
"407”, “An ""in
loco parentis"" representative of these children should
be encouraged to be involved with the Forum just as any other
parent."
"408”, “"
"409”, “status-quo"
"410”, “"
"411”, “"
"412”, “"
"413”, “"
"414”, “Blank"
"415”, “"
"416”, “"
"417”, “"
"418”, “"
"419”, “No."
"420”, “"
"421”, “"
"422”, “"
"423”, “The needs of
looked after children is currently the responsibility of the
local authority and should not be addressed or catered for in the
draft bill.
There may be a need to educate parents who are not involved in
fostering arrangement or respite care to ensure that they are
fully aware of the complex issues and demands of such family
support structures. However, this should not be included within
the draft bill which relates specifically to increasing the
involvement of parents in the education of children."
"424”, “Guardians with a
legal responsibility for the welfare of children should be
regarded as parents in this context."
"425”, “"
"426”, “A nominated carer
should be given the same rights as parents on the Forum."
"427”, “We believe that
any parent/guardian/carer should be eligible to be a forum
member, and that carers of looked-after children should be
encouraged to join."
"428”, “The definition of
parent needs to be flexible enough, so that all guardians,
including foster carers and other care professionals, can be part
of the Parental Forum within the school that the child in
question attends."
"429”, “Any person in loco
parentis should be entitled to participate in a school
board."
"430”, “The needs of
looked-after children will be different to those of any other
child receiving education in the school. There are
difficulties in relation to how reporting to the person(s)
responsible for the looked -after children which will need to be
resolved."
"431”, “We don't feel we
have adequate experience to provide informed input on this
issue."
"432”, “This is something
that needs to be tailored to the individual circumstances and
provision should be made for this in the Bill. Perhaps regular
invitations to attend meetings for care/social workers may be
appropriate."
"433”, “Allocated member
of the board to have a responsibility to ensure that their needs
are addressed."
"434”, “Carers should have
the same rights as parents and those standing in loco
parentis."
"435”, “These children
should be catered for just like any other child in the school.
The needs of these children should always be addressed,
regardless of the changes in legislation. Question considered
redundant."
"436”, “Taking into
consideration the fact that we do not agree with the bill and the
establishment of parent forums in the first place, we believe
that membership of parents' (broad definition) representative
bodies should be open to carers and guardians, and those with
responsibility for looked-after children."
"437”, “No"
"438”, “This is a
technical question over legal arrangements. We do not
feel qualified to respond on the existing versus the Draft Bill.
Note that this question is poorly stated. The question
assumes that the Draft Bill arrangements are inevitable."
"439”, “Guardians/carers
etc of children should have same rights as parents."
"440”, “No. Carers
already have the same involvement, information and access to the
school as parents. This should continue."
"441”, “It should be
clearly identified that provisions should be made to give parents
some form of comfort that all children will be catered for."
"442”, “Yes"
"443”, “"
"444”, “"
"445”, “"
"446”, “Looked after
children should be represented by Social Services."
"447”, “Blank"
"448”, “"
"449”, “Yes, provision
needed for their involvement. Need same status as parent
members."
"450”, “Yes"
"451”, “Unsure"
"452”, “"
"453”, “Looked after
children should have representation by their carer or
guardian."
"454”, “No"
"455”, “"
"456”, “"
"457”, “No"
"458”, “No"
"459”, “Yes, guidelines
need to be put in place to address this issue."
"460”, “Yes, only if it
changes to the forum. Parents / carers are always welcome
to attend board meetings."
"461”, “No"
"462”, “Blank."
"463”, “Ask social
workers."
"464”, “If we had parents
forum, this would be detrimental to these children’s
needs."
"465”, “Broad definition
of ""parent"" here."
"466”, “The staff rep
would support the needs of looked after accommodated
children."
"467”, “No"
"468”, “Give real
financial support to schools to get parents involved in school
life."
"469”, “Only that it
should reinforce parent legislation in this area."
"470”, “Allow key workers
/ care home managers to be considered under the broad definition
of parent."
"471”, “No"
"472”, “Looked after
children should be included."
"473”, “The needs of
""looked after"" children are addressed by a
school board at present. Replacing this with a parent forum
does not necessarily mean that all children in a particular
school will have the same rights."
"474”,
“""Looked-after"" children’s carers
should have the same rights as parents."
"475”, “Parent membership
of a parent forum should include those in 'loco-parentis' for
looked after children. We feel this is already covered by
'the broad definition' of parents."
"476”, “Guardians should
have the same rights as parents in the bill."
"477”, “We don't
understand this question. All children need to be looked
after. If this was meant to be a more specific group, it
should have been explained better."
"478”, “Classification as
to ""looked after"" children would be needed
to enable us to give clearer answer."
"479”, “At the moment
needs of looked after children are catered for because every
school has a school board - including schools for those with
special educational needs. The staff representatives on our
school board are aware of the needs of the looked after children
in our school and make us parents aware of anything to do with
board business that we need to know. It is all done
confidentially and we know them as child A or B etc."
"480”, “The carer should,
for this purpose, be seen as the parent."
"481”, “Their carers
should be treated like parents."
"482”, “Carers could
perhaps be included in the definition of parents."
"483”, “No."
"484”, “By defining terms
like guardians , a carer carefully - then finding a way of using
the term ""parent"" the document to be
interchangeable with those other terms where ever possible."
"485”, “No"