Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

Question 18

Do you agree with the provisions requiring education authorities to provide financial support or support in kind to parent forums or would you suggest alternative arrangements ?

"1”, “Yes - financial support needed"

"2”, “No - See Question 4"

"3”, “Only in the context of School Boards"

"4”, “Education Department should provide funding, extras can be fundraised as required."

"5”, “"

"6”, “Agree - current system relies on goodwill of parents"

"7”, “Continue to provide financial support - equally for each group"

"8”, “Yes"

"9”, “If forced upon us, Yes"

"10”, “No"

"11”, “LEAs already give good support, both advisory and financial, to School Boards.  We feel things do not need to be changed."

"12”, “"

"13”, “Yes, Education Authority has an obligation to provide forum for parents"

"14”, “Yes"

"15”, “Yes"

"16”, “Some support should be made - both financial and in kind - financially - through School Budget"

"17”, “Yes"

"18”, “Yes - sufficient funding must be provided to enable continuation of role of School Board clerk"

"19”, “Yes - provide financial support not support in kind"

"20”, “As per current School Board funding criteria"

"21”, “Yes"

"22”, “Yes"

"23”, “Yes"

"24”, “"

"25”, “Yes"

"26”, “Where is the Clerk's fee?  Specific allowance at present given to SB is not mentioned and should be"

"27”, “yes"

"28”, “N/A"

"29”, “"

"30”, “-"

"31”, “"

"32”, “N/A - there are better ways to spend money"

"33”, “If they are formed, financial support would be necessary"

"34”, “Parent Forums will not work"

"35”, “Education authorities provide a degree of financial support for Boards.  This should remain"

"36”, “No - keep School Boards"

"37”, “Funding would be required and support in kind"

"38”, “Yes"

"39”, “"

"40”, “Yes"

"41”, “Alternative arrangements"

"42”, “"

"43”, “Yes"

"44”, “Yes"

"45”, “Yes - education authorities should provide reasonable administrative and financial resources to allow parent forums to function"

"46”, “Yes - as per existing Boards"

"47”, “Yes but without recourse"

"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, ring fenced money from the Executive would be preferably to locally allocated funding.  Financial support will be essential where everything is being done by volunteers.  Stationery, postage, clerical support, photocopying, travel and training all require funding.  The burden of consultation is increasing and increased parental involvement will undoubtedly increase any costs."

"53”, “"

"54”, “"

"55”, “The present system works fine."

"56”, “No"

"57”, “Yes in reason"

"58”, “Yes"

"59”, “"

"60”, “Yes"

"61”, “Again this should continue as at present"

"62”, “"

"63”, “I agree"

"64”, “Current system perfectly adequate"

"65”, “"

"66”, “"

"67”, “At present parents put many hours of voluntary effort into the work of School Boards without claiming out of pocket expenses.  This may deter some parents from becoming involved at all or limit their willingness to engage in dialogue with the authority.  There should be 'reasonable' provision for individuals to claim expenses to attend meetings organised by the authority and some level of compensation by the authority if individual parents cannot secure paid leave from work to attend interviews of senior school staff."

"68”, “Provide financial support from authorities.  The alternative is endless planning for a bring-and-buy night."

"69”, “Broadly agree"

"70”, “Yes - would like to see provision for retention of Clerk"

"71”, “"

"72”, “"

"73”, “"

"74”, “Yes"

"75”, “Any body with this level of involvement with the school should have access to a budget"

"76”, “There needs to be financial support and a clerk for the forums"

"77”, “No - it is not the education authority's job - it's the Scottish Executive's responsibility"

"78”, “Only in relation to existing School Boards"

"79”, “Yes.  This should include provision for payment to clerks as a matter of course.  However, remove the possibility of petty bureaucracy by Education Authorities, e.g. in the provision of stationery.  This should be a matter for the forums to decide under financial standing orders, rather than the Education Authority.  Once the Authority has set a budget for the forum, this should be managed by them in their own account, and underspends carried forward.  Forums should decide whether to carry unspent money forward or give it to the school fund."

"80”, “Yes"

"81”, “Present arrangements work fine"

"82”, “This provision is already part of the existing structure."

"83”, “"

"84”, “Current financial support for Boards should be retained"

"85”, “Yes - the education authority currently provides financial assistance to School Boards to allow it to undertake its duties - see no reason for change"

"86”, “Yes"

"87”, “"

"88”, “We agree with the current provision for the Board requiring financial support from the education authorities."

"89”, “"

"90”, “"

"91”, “Yes, financial support for school boards should continue."

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

"93”, “Yes"

"94”, “Yes"

"95”, “If bill is passed YES financial support is needed."

"96”, “"

"97”, “Yes -  relevant to training, arrangements for respite care, etc."

"98”, “Education to provide financial support or support in kind."

"99”, “No.  School Boards in place are adequate."

"100”, “Continue with financial support."

"101”, “Yes"

"102”, “Present system is adequate."

"103”, “The funding stream must remain in place to ensure the forums can work effectively."

"104”, “Yes"

"105”, “N / A"

"106”, “Agree"

"107”, “Yes, I agree."

"108”, “Yes"

"109”, “No"

"110”, “We agree with provision whether it is to a school board or parent forum."

"111”, “Blank"

"112”, “"

"113”, “N / A"

"114”, “Yes, agree"

"115”, “Yes, some financial support must be made available even if only to cover administration and training costs.  A clerk is a very necessary part of any meeting and may require payment."

"116”, “As is just now, funding to cover clerks costs, etc."

"117”, “Agreed, but the authority should also be required to provide organisational support (for example feedback on good practice from other parent forums, and support in elections and constitutional votes), together with training where appropriate for forum members."

"118”, “Yes"

"119”, “Blank"

"120”, “Yes"

"121”, “Consider that the term ' reasonable level of funding' should be quantified."

"122”, “Yes, we agree education authorities to provide financial support as at present this funding is insufficient."

"123”, “Financial support is appropriate, although support within reasonable financial boundaries."

"124”, “Yes"

"125”, “Yes, they should provide financial support.  The parents give up their time."

"126”, “Financial support is given to school board and is needed for admin and provision of info to parents.  Even this however concerns me if the proposed forum is less formal than the board in their accounting."

"127”, “Agree"

"128”, “Blank"

"129”, “If forums go ahead, then financial support or similar must be provided."

"130”, “No - quite impractical."

"131”, “Yes"

"132”, “Blank"

"133”, “Yes"

"134”, “Yes"

"135”, “Yes"

"136”, “Blank"

"137”, “Finance for school lets, sending letters, etc is required."

"138”, “Basic finance for school lets / photocopying / mail etc is necessary."

"139”, “Yes"

"140”, “Budget already in existence and should continue."

"141”, “We agree"

"142”, “Stick with existing arrangements."

"143”, “Administrative expenses must include clerk / secretary's expenses and fee."

"144”, “Yes - But  !!"

"145”, “"

"146”, “"

"147”, “N / A as we do not want forums and want school boards to remain."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “No, keep the way it is."

"150”, “Yes"

"151”, “N / A"

"152”, “No - there should be enhanced support from local authorities for School Boards."

"153”, “School requires financial support not parent forums."

"154”, “I agree"

"155”, “Blank"

"156”, “Yes"

"157”, “N / A"

"158”, “Yes"

"159”, “"

"160”, “No - status quo (existing system should remain unchanged)."

"161”, “Yes - using a per capita calculation."

"162”, “Education should provide some budget for all parent forums.  Danger of political leverage though."

"163”, “Both financial support AND support in kind."

"164”, “"

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

"166”, “"

"167”, “Yes I agree that financial support must be provided by the Authority.  They must continue to provide training and the funding of a clerk is essential as minutes must be kept."

"168”, “We agree that the Education Authority should provide both financial support and support in kind.  This should be adequate to cover all expenses including the provision of a clerk to the Board if appropriate."

"169”, “Yes but problems if wide variety of numbers across groups.  e.g. Groups with 1 member or 100 members"

"170”, “These are done already and the current arrangements are sufficient"

"171”, “The current arrangements are sufficient."

"172”, “We would agree that any forum, committee or body would need this support"

"173”, “Adequate funding has to be available to allow the forum to  perform the required duties placed upon it.  This funding has to be enabled at national level alongside local provision."

"174”, “EA must supply financial support for cost of meetings, clerks, postage etc.  Again size of school can made a difference to a forum's ability to operate without support."

"175”, “As there is no legislation it may not happen - keep with School Boards."

"176”, “How would the business of forums be conducted?  Who would supply equipment for note taking, phone calls, minutes (if any) etc."

"177”, “Agree"

"178”, “Yes if the choice of financial support of support in kind is at the parents' discretion.  Nothing should detract from the school budgets."

"179”, “The level of commitment to School Boards is satisfactory.  The support may be open to abuse in a wider parent forum form."

"180”, “"

"181”, “Yes - any parent body will require financial support from the education authority"

"182”, “Basic funding should be required."

"183”, “Yes- sufficient funds should be provided to enable the Board/forum to undertake their duties.  It should be the Authorities responsibility to provide sufficient funds and not the forums to raise funds for this purpose."

"184”, “Why change present system."

"185”, “"

"186”, “Yes will need financial support to continue to support a paid clerk position."

"187”, “Yes"

"188”, “Yes.  Already being done."

"189”, “There should be some provision but not to the detriment of other funding for education."

"190”, “Yes.  Some limited form of Financial Support would help in publicising the work being done."

"191”, “"

"192”, “Yes"

"193”, “Yes - clerical services, training and general support are crucial to the effective functioning of the forum."

"194”, “Yes we agree"

"195”, “Yes agree"

"196”, “Yes"

"197”, “Yes"

"198”, “Don't agree with the concept of such forums but if they were in place funding from EA would be essential."

"199”, “At the moment this is loosely defined but it is essential that reasonable financial support is given."

"200”, “Agree"

"201”, “Anyone with this level of involvement with the school should have access to a budget if necessary."

"202”, “Scottish Executive should"

"203”, “Both levels of support should be provided."

"204”, “Yes"

"205”, “Should still be provision for clerk with appropriate expenses."

"206”, “Need support - national arrangement."

"207”, “Blank"

"208”, “national agreement should be set down."

"209”, “Agree, as in the long term the children benefit which is the main issue."

"210”, “Too vague of Parent Forums to be different in each school - how / if office bearers - again see Q15"

"211”, “Yes - need financial assistance for administration."

"212”, “Yes"

"213”, “Yes.  Adequate financial provision is essential for clerical services, training, stationery, postage, room hire."

"214”, “Yes"

"215”, “Agree that Education Authorities should provide financial and / or support in kind."

"216”, “Yes"

"217”, “Blank"

"218”, “No"

"219”, “Blank"

"220”, “Blank"

"221”, “Yes"

"222”, “Current school board arrangements to continue.  Option of paid clerk and mileage very useful."

"223”, “No.  The provisions are too vague.  The scope and quantum of financial and other support should be prescribed in national legislation."

"224”, “"

"225”, “Yes"

"226”, “Maintain the Status Quo.  It is important that the clerk remains independent."

"227”, “Yes - as for school boards."

"228”, “No"

"229”, “N / A"

"230”, “Blank"

"231”, “Yes"

"232”, “"

"233”, “Yes"

"234”, “We require continued financial support from Education Service."

"235”, “Yes, funding should be available."

"236”, “Yes"

"237”, “"

"238”, “(Response to this QS not supplied)"

"239”, “Yes, as per school boards."

"240”, “Yes, definitely."

"241”, “Current monies are adequate and so would be required to carry on.  If school is represented they can monitor spend."

"242”, “'Support in kind' should not be used as it could be seen as demeaning."

"243”, “Yes.  Need financial support to function effectively."

"244”, “Yes"

"245”, “No.  Spend the money in schools where it is most needed - our PSA does a remarkable fund raising job for our school and the ""Board"" funding is adequate.  Don't waste money on ""sinecures""."

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “We agree"

"249”, “Limited financial support would be a benefit.  However where would this money come from in an already under funded authority?"

"250”, “Yes and fundraising activities and donations."

"251”, “Financial support is essential if parent forums are to operate successfully.  However, training and support from the local authority and the Head Teacher is equally important.  Will all local authorities provide funds?"

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “Yes we agree with the provision but this is how they presently support the School Board"

"255”, “Yes however the Board/forum should not be limited in the amount of funding they may wish to transfer to the school so long as on-going financial commitments can be met.  The need for a separate clerk as with School Boards should be maintained as it allows all present to participate fully rather than focus on recording minutes."

"256”, “No should be more strongly worded.  There are 'outs' implicit in current wording which may result in forums being 'short'"

"257”, “Yes - financial support, moral support and guidance should be provided."

"258”, “There is no need for a change to parent forums - ongoing support is necessary though."

"259”, “Yes"

"260”, “Yes"

"261”, “Yes parent forums should be supported just as School Boards are."

"262”, “Yes"

"263”, “Agree - not appropriate to use monies from fundraising events."

"264”, “Financial support is a must - the Executive must forward enough funding or the legislation will collapse on the ground."

"265”, “Yes but following negotiation with school parent body."

"266”, “Yes - this should include payment to Clerks"

"267”, “"

"268”, “"

"269”, “LA funding works well"

"270”, “School Board"

"271”, “I agree with the existing system"

"272”, “We consider that all these items are covered by the existing legislation."

"273”, “"

"274”, “No, No, No! - Education authorities should spend their money on educating our children.  A small financial incentive will not encourage parental involvement."

"275”, “Financial support should not be necessary except minimal sums for stationery etc"

"276”, “Yes it is important to provide financial support as the Clerk needs to be paid, however I do not feel it is important to offer travel expenses or childcare support."

"277”, “Yes - the education authority needs to provide financial support."

"278”, “No - the present arrangement makes provision in these matters."

"279”, “The provisions at the moment are ok but with everything in life more money would always come in handy."

"280”, “"

"281”, “"

"282”, “Facilities are more important.
This body should drain any cash from already starved budgets."

"283”, “Funding should continue broadly in line with that currently undertaken, however the wording of the draft bill allows for multiple parent forums to exist and community funds to multiple parent forums may become restrictive, unaffordable and thereby undermine the very thing the Scottish Executive is striving to achieve.
Whatever arrangements are put in place should be no more resource intensive than existing arrangements."

"284”, “Majority (3) replied Yes with comment - most cover expenses and assist."

"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”, “Of course."

"288”, “Yes - but as a school board already has budget arrangements in place why change this."

"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”, “This is an existing provision and the present arrangements are sufficient for the requirements of the School Board."

"295”, “The education authority should financially support parental Forums. However, there is a little concern that the use of the money is not defined as tightly as with School Boards - administration. training and other activities."

"296”, “"

"297”, “Yes we agree but again there is loose definitions. What is ""reasonable"".  We need greater clarity and less ambiguity if the new forums are to be a success."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “The requirement of financial support to a correctly constituted body is essential for effective operation and support. However, due to the open ended, flexible and potential multiple parental forums in schools, such financial support could cause significant pressures on existing limited resources. If financial support was limited based on the school population, the fragmentation of such resources between competing forums would dilute the overall effectiveness.
"

"305”, “"

"306”, “Broadly agree
"

"307”, “"

"308”, “"

"309”, “"

"310”, “The forums must be funded to cover their running costs.  Parents may be prepared to give up time but they will not be prepared to subsidise the process as well.
"

"311”, “We do not agree with the proposed Bill.  We would propose that School Boards and PTA's continue with slightly modernised legislation and are provided with financial support to cover meetings and training. We suggest that any other available money (such as that saved by not having to set up Parental Forums) is used to setup networks for School Boards within Education Authorities.

"

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “Funding may be required and should not be from devolved budget"

"315”, “Why should they require financial support?"

"316”, “There must be financial support for any parent representative body and the provision, which is currently in place, for School Boards appears to be sufficient."

"317”, “The answer has to be 'yes' however are there any provisos to accepting the money.  Is there a cost-saving agenda?"

"318”, “No"

"319”, “As these forums may vary from school to school there must be a system in place that if financial support is given then on an equal basis."

"320”, “Yes as currently agreed with School Boards."

"321”, “Adequate financial support is essential."

"322”, “Financial support already given to School Boards."

"323”, “This provision already exists so why change?"

"324”, “This is an issue where parents are spread widely.  On the west coast of Scotland the parents may have to travel off island to attend a School Board meeting that involves both ferry costs and overnight accommodation.  This would have to be preserved."

"325”, “Yes"

"326”, “Yes"

"327”, “Financing of School Boards is satisfactory and does not require to be changed."

"328”, “Yes"

"329”, “Financial support along with support in kind is in our opinion mandatory and need not be changed."

"330”, “Yes - are there strings attached?"

"331”, “"

"332”, “Reasonable but limited financial support would seem to be necessary even if only to cover expenses."

"333”, “Yes"

"334”, “I think it is reasonable to expect basic financial support for parent forums as designated in the draft bill.  It would help parents to know that the education authority is putting its money where its mouth is and really do want to promote parental involvement."

"335”, “Present arrangements for School Boards would be adequate."

"336”, “Do not have enough information to comment."

"337”, “Yes"

"338”, “Education should provide some budget for all parent forums.  Danger of political leverage though."

"339”, “Yes they should provide some financial support."

"340”, “"

"341”, “This is an existing provision and the present arrangements are sufficient for the requirements of the School Board."

"342”, “The education authority would need to facilitate the parent's forum by ensuring that meetings were recorded and information forwarded to non-attending parents. One member had concerns that if no official appointment of a clerk were made, the minute taking etc would fall on a volunteer. Therefore adequate funding should be made for an appointment of clerk."

"343”, “The education authority provides financial assistance to School Boards to allow it to undertake its duties. Further funding would enable Boards to do more, e.g. more meetings for parents, direct mailings."

"344”, “We agree."

"345”, “NO - The Scottish Executive should consider providing direct financial support or support in kind to current School Boards - and utilise the school boards as a vehicle for direct solicitation of views of school and local education authority needs and performance."

"346”, “There is a need to make sure there is sufficient support in place to carry out the functions of the Parent Forum."

"347”, “There is a need to ensure that there is sufficient funding in place."

"348”, “The current arrangements for School Boards with annual funding work reasonably well but care needs to be taken not to re-create a host of odd rules on how the money can be spent, which may create unintended consequences e.g. a small thing to highlight but way of illustration, School Boards cannot pay baby sitting expenses for a parent attending a Board meeting. For single parents who may need this facility more this may be restrictive and again not encouraging broad representation on whatever body exists. "

"349”, “At present, many School Boards do not spend this budget and it is 'donated' to the school.  Clear guidance on appropriate use of budgets is desirable. Apart from clerks fees and members expenses, there should be a strong emphasis on using the budget to communicate with the parent body.  The level of financial support should be reviewed at regular intervals and on a national basis. "

"350”, “There is no doubt that either the education authority, or the Scottish Executive itself, will be required to provide funding to allow the Parental Forums to function. It is also important that the level of funding per Parent Forum is consistent across Scotland - although the actual amount will need to reflect the actual remit that the individual Parent Forum agrees to undertake.  The Scottish Executive have to provide clear guidance on the levels of funding that should be made available to enable Parent Forums to function effectively, and how this should be funded."

"351”, “"

"352”, “"

"353”, “"

"354”, “Education authorities should provide the financial assistance , whether derived from central government or council tax.  As parents we all pay council tax and a large part of this is for education.  Are we therefore not paying already."

"355”, “Yes we agree."

"356”, “"

"357”, “Should not be a financial burden on the school."

"358”, “Yes"

"359”, “"

"360”, “Yes"

"361”, “Yes, providing going on status quo as alternative could result in less generous donations by parents for administration purposes. Yes, if for administration duties."

"362”, “YES  Local Authorities should continue as they are doing to provide financial support to school boards or parent forums.
"

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “N / A"

"367”, “"

"368”, “"

"369”, “No - content with current arrangements."

"370”, “Yes - financial support should be forthcoming so that funds are not diverted from fundraising activities."

"371”, “School Boards already have financial support."

"372”, “Yes"

"373”, “N/A"

"374”, “Yes - local training to be provided, require finance and support in kind, continue system as at present with School Boards, funding from SE, in-kind from EA, essential"

"375”, “Parental representation requires funding."

"376”, “No leave it as it is."

"377”, “The provision which is offered at present is adequate and should remain and support in kind is always helpful when required."

"378”, “Agree"

"379”, “The education authority provides financial assistance to School Boards to allow it to undertake its duties.  Further funding would enable Boards to do more, e.g. more meetings for parents, direct mailings."

"380”, “Obviously there would need to be an annual audit of use of finance."

"381”, “Again - this is already established so why re-invent the wheel."

"382”, “As I don't know how the School Board is funded I cannot comment."

"383”, “Yes this system works well at the moment and should be continued."

"384”, “I agree"

"385”, “"

"386”, “"

"387”, “Yes"

"388”, “Yes"

"389”, “Yes"

"390”, “Parity - this system risks some getting some/some none/"

"391”, “Yes - education authorities must provide financial support.  Why is there no continuation of a clerk and payment for such? It gives the impression of the lax standard of reporting.  This function must be paid for by the education authority."

"392”, “Yes"

"393”, “If they were to exist - then yes."

"394”, “I feel it is important that there is full financial accountability.  There needs to be funding for a clerk."

"395”, “Yes"

"396”, “As existing School Boards with Clerk and accountability."

"397”, “"

"398”, “Same way that they support School Boards at present."

"399”, “Yes"

"400”, “Agree"

"401”, “No"

"402”, “yes"

"403”, “"

"404”, “The question of proper funding for forums, as for Boards, is particularly important to enable forums to operate effectively."

"405”, “Education Authorities currently provide this service to School Boards. This practice should continue."

"406”, “Similar answer to 17.  (Yes, provided the education authority receives the appropriate level of funding from the Executive.  For example, the Board is often stymied by having no budget for communication initiatives - one of our main statutory duties. We would like to see funding for the work of parental involvement officers in schools. )"

"407”, “This comes down to a definition of ""reasonable level of funding"". Providing Forums were no worse off than School Boards currently we would agree this."

"408”, “"

"409”, “Only in the context of financing School Boards as 1 do not recognise the need to abolish School Boards."

"410”, “"

"411”, “"

"412”, “"

"413”, “"

"414”, “Blank"

"415”, “"

"416”, “"

"417”, “"

"418”, “"

"419”, “"

"420”, “"

"421”, “"

"422”, “"

"423”, “Financial support is vital in ensuring continued parental participation and provide support and should NOT BE replace by in kind support."

"424”, “We agree that financial support should be provided to School Boards in their current form.  Financial support is sufficient at present to cover admin, clerk fees and training costs."

"425”, “"

"426”, “YES monies definitely welcome. Will there be strings attached to accepting money?  Maybe a cost-saving agenda is underlying this whole initiative?"

"427”, “yes"

"428”, “There is no doubt that either the education authority, or the Scottish Executive itself, will be required to provide funding to allow the Parental Forums to function. It is also important that the level of funding per Parent Forum is consistent across Scotland - although the actual amount will need to reflect the actual remit that the individual Parent Forum agrees to undertake. The Scottish Executive have to provide clear guidance on the levels of funding that should be
 made available to enable Parent Forums to function effectively, and how this should be funded.
"

"429”, “The Board does not agree. Funding should continue as for the current school boards.  This would be a good opportunity to review funding and increase it if necessary."

"430”, “Education Authorities should provide financial support to forums as a matter of course.  The degree of support should be appropriate to the size of the school. Any monies allocated which are not used during the financial year should be gifted to the school for purposes other than support of the curriculum.  No change to the present arrangements."

"431”, “Both forms of support would appear to be essential for the operation of any meaningful forum (as suggested in our response to Question 6) which a significant number of parents were to attend.  Please also see our response to Question 8."

"432”, “"

"433”, “Yes they should provide some financial support."

"434”, “The Board would favour the retention of the current financial rights prescribed in the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988."

"435”, “Any form of parental involvement should be encouraged and supported.  In the event that any request for funding is approved by the Head teacher, and in the event that forums are seeking to raise the standard of education and benefit school children, forums if established should be given funding such as School Boards are currently allocated.  However, according to devolved school management, is it not one of Head teachers' responsibilities now to allocate funding to areas deemed necessary or deserving based on their annual budgets?  How much would be considered a reasonable amount?  Two hundred pounds?  Five hundred?  One thousand pounds?
To propose that unlimited numbers of forums should all be granted financial support is not realistic at a time when significantly large cuts are being made across school budgets regarding important matters such as teaching staff with regard to pupil role where for e.g. smaller schools are losing teaching staff owing to school role falling say - one pupil below the role - causing them to lose an additional member of teaching staff.
If increasing amounts from budgets were to be allocated to undefined numbers of unstructured forums, this would surely provide a recipe for disaster! it is indeed very difficult to answer such a question considering the fact that Head teachers are already responsible (through devolved management) for dealing with budgets.  Where precisely is this money going to come from?  Currently, School Boards are allocated a budget based on their size, and we are currently quite happy with their role in terms of supporting PTA fundraisers.  More detail is needed before this question can be answered.  Proposals of how the education service will provide funding would need to be detailed right down to the penny."

"436”, “Not applicable, as we do not agree with the Bill.  We are particularly concerned that no financial provision is made in the Bill for the role of Clerks."

"437”, “Agree, with provisions
- There is a need to make sure there is sufficient support in place to carry out the functions of the Parent Forum.
- We do not consider it appropriate for expenses (such as those for training, accommodation etc) to be met using monies held from fundraising events, other than those expenses directly relating to said events.
"

"438”, “The existing arrangements are generally satisfactory.  The local authorities already provide financial support."

"439”, “Yes however clarification is required as to how such requests would be valuated and agreed upon.  Provision would also have to be made for an appropriate venue for a parent's forum to meet."

"440”, “Yes we do agree with the provisions.  A realistic budget must be made available which must include clerking and administration."

"441”, “Yes"

"442”, “Yes.  No I would not suggest alternatives."

"443”, “"

"444”, “"

"445”, “"

"446”, “Yes"

"447”, “Yes"

"448”, “"

"449”, “Current situation is fine."

"450”, “Yes, we agree."

"451”, “Yes, for school boards."

"452”, “"

"453”, “Yes"

"454”, “Yes"

"455”, “"

"456”, “"

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “Yes"

"459”, “Yes, appropriate financial support required."

"460”, “Currently fulfilled by School Board system."

"461”, “Absolutely, finance levels should not be left to the whim of the Education Authority."

"462”, “Blank"

"463”, “Would suggest school board arrangement with some ""tweaking""."

"464”, “Should have no impact on school funds."

"465”, “Yes, but problems if wide variety of numbers across groups, e.g. groups with 1 member or 100 members."

"466”, “Agree"

"467”, “Yes"

"468”, “No.  We must have a recognised and financially sound support."

"469”, “As long as this is properly financed as a national ........."

"470”, “Yes"

"471”, “Not sure"

"472”, “It must not impact on school budgets, but  external budgets."

"473”, “No - any available funding should be used to finance pupils education."

"474”, “Education authorities have a duty to financially support school boards / forums."

"475”, “We agree that the education authority would need to support the parent forums financially.  Parent members should be encouraged to attend training courses and mileage paid.  It should be mandatory that a paid clerk be appointed and minutes properly recorded."

"476”, “Yes, they should support forums as they support school boards."

"477”, “Yes, or it should come directly from the Scottish Executive."

"478”, “Yes"

"479”, “Yes, the education authorities should provide financial support or support in kind to parent forums."

"480”, “The level of support would be in line with what is currently allocated to school boards."

"481”, “Yes, but current funding is sufficient."

"482”, “Parent Forums, like school boards, would require reasonable financial support, at least initially."

"483”, “Yes - agree that education authorities should provide financial support as per currently available to school boards.  This would be necessary for clerks to the forum which is felt to be essential and if required training."

"484”, “This is an offer of cash or cash in kind the answer has to be ""Yes"".  Money from government rarely comes without a string or two attached.  No doubt they will become apparent with time."

"485”, “Level of support community available to school boards is sufficient being able to pay for a clerk."

Parent Forums - Draft Bill