1. Functions of the Parent Council and Roles of Members
Diane Cherry
September 2012

2. Outline of this presentation
Legal functions of Parent Council
What does the Parent Council do?
New issues coming soon
Questions?

3. Functions of Parent Council
To support the school to raise the standards and quality of education provided in the school to develop the personality, talents and mental and physical abilities of the pupils.
Research shows that when parents are involved children do better in school.

4. Functions of Parent Council
To represent the parents to the Head teacher and the Education Authority about the arrangements in school for promoting the involvement of parents
FC Parental Involvement Support Policy and Strategy – recently revised

5. Functions of Parent Council
To promote contact between the school, Parent Forum, parents of prospective pupils, pupils, the community, any other appropriate person
How are you doing this?

6. Functions of Parent Council
To report to the Parent Forum at least annually on your activities (likely to be at the AGM).
To find out the views of the Parent Forum on any matter of interest or concern. (e.g. Asymmetric Week)

7. Functions of Parent Council
To review the Parent Council constitution (where necessary or at regular intervals)
Make representations to the HMI (once the Head teacher and Education Authority have been given the chance to reply)

8. Functions of Parent Council
Enter into contracts (not in relation to land)
Appoint a clerk
Set up sub-groups if necessary e.g. fundraising
Respond to reasonable requests from the Education Authority
Functions may be altered by the Scottish Government – more on this later

9. Functions of Parent Council
May raise funds – except by borrowing – and receive gifts
Keep proper accounts
Receive money from the Education Authority to carry out its functions
Participate in appointments of senior school staff

10. What does the Parent Council do?
What do you want it to do? Important to focus on positive action planning at meetings. One star (what you think is good) and one wish (an issue affecting all parents that the PC could help the school to improve).
Start with what is in the school improvement plan / standards and quality report.
School Improvement Plan must include objectives around parental involvement.

11. What does the Parent Council do?
The school Standards and Quality Report must include the extent to which parents are involved in education provided to the pupil.
How can your Parent Council contribute to learning at home?
How can your Parent Council encourage home / school partnership?

12. Parent Council Roles of Members
Parent Members
Most important group – usually in the majority
Volunteers or election /selection
Number of parents involved varies
Talk to other parents and try to get them involved in the life of the school
Represent all parents at the school
They are experts on their own children
Contribute to discussions about the School
Liaise with the P.A. / P.T.A. / other parent groups

13. Parent Council Roles of Members
Staff Members
Teaching or support
Head teacher
Right and duty to attend
Principal adviser to Parent Council on e.g. school development and improvement plans
Link to staff and local authority
Link to pupils, learning and the curriculum

14. Parent Council Roles of Members
Community (co-opted) Members
grandparents, local business reps, Community Police Officer, Youth Club Leader, Church rep, former parents, etc.
Local knowledge, experience, specialist skills
Other members
Pupil Council representative

15. Other people in attendance at meetings
Clerk – paid role or volunteer
Local Councillor – standing invitation to attend
Representative of Education Services / other Council service - invited depending on topic
Meetings are open to the general public so anyone* can attend. Are you sure that all parents realise this?
* (except if meeting is discussing anything confidential).

16. Roles within the Council
Chair / Vice Chair
Set the agenda (with the Clerk and Head teacher) and receive and circulate papers to other members
Control the meeting – welcome / timing / topics / decisions etc. Does everyone get a chance to talk?

17. Roles within the Council
Treasurer
Administer the Council’s finances including receipt of the money from the Council, paying expenses including the Clerk’s fees – keep the books and bank account
Submit annual audited accounts
Prepare summary for meetings / AGM

18. Roles within the Council
Clerk / Secretary / Communications
Issue notices of meetings.
Take the minutes, type them up and circulate them as agreed.
Deal with Council correspondence in conjunction with the Chair.
Anything else? – Newsletters? Letters? Website?

19. Future Additional Issues re Parental Involvement
Communications and School Handbook – new legislation coming out next year    
parents want much greater role in influencing content, designing and co-creating the handbook for their child’s school.
school should demonstrate openness in communication – not sure yet what this will mean.
More info to come out from me (Diane) in due course.

20. Future Additional Issues re Parental Involvement
HMIe Inspections and RIF
Change to inspection regime with greater involvement of Parent Council – especially the Parent Council Chair and sharing of confidential information.
Information session with Peter Hamilton, local HMIe (Education Scotland) Inspector on 20th March at 6.30pm in Camelon Education Centre.

21. Contact Me
Diane Cherry – –