Functions of the Parent Council and Roles of Members

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

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

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.

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

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?

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)

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)

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

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).

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?

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

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?

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.

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.

Contact Me • Diane Cherry – 506602 – diane.cherry@falkirk.gov.uk

Functions of the Parent Council and Roles of Members