Parents and Parent Groups
As a registered charity and membership organisation, Connect helps parents, carers and parent groups to be involved and engaged in children's learning and school lives in ways that work for them. We believe that parents need to be welcomed into, and supported by, their school community so that children can thrive, learn and succeed.
Parental involvement and engagement can mean understanding Scottish education, knowing where to find help and support, finding out about children's learning in school or being clear about parents' and children's rights.
For some parents, it can mean volunteering, either helping in school, sharing skills and experience, or being part of a parent-run group such as a Parent Council or Parent Teacher/Staff Association which can be rewarding and fun.
There are many positives about feeling part of the school community - getting to know school staff and other families, supporting the school or early learning centre in practical ways, learning more about the school and Scottish education, learning new skills and helping to build a sense of school community.
We offer resources and information to help with all of these!
Connect Membership
Any parent group, club or individual can join Connect, and there are lots of good reasons to do so!
Membership of Connect gives you, your Parent Council, PTA or other parent-run groups, and other parents and staff at your school many benefits.
News
Read the latest news from Connect and from the world of Scottish education. You will also find blogs, education policy updates, information on Connect's parent/carer surveys and consultations and much more here.
News
14th Feb 2024Connect is recruiting! New Executive Director wanted
Connect is recruiting a new Executive Director to lead Scotland's main independent parents' organisation.
Policy
12th Mar 2024Connect Consultation Response: Child Friendly Complaints Handling Principles
Read our response to the draft Principles from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
Resource
Fairs, Fetes and Family Fun Days
Thinking about running a big annual event? Read on for ideas and inspiration
Events
Sign up for exclusive online Information Sessions for Connect Members here and also find out more about our open-to-all events for parents and carers.
Event
Constitutions and Succession Planning for Parent Groups: 19 March 2024, Online
Constitutions are a useful tool for parent groups. We're also looking at succession planning
Event
Connect Conversations: Ask Us Anything! 21 March 2024, Online
Connect Members - this is your chance to have a relaxed chat with one another!
Event
Reaching Out to All Families: 26 March 2024, Online
How do you try and make sure everyone is included and involved in your school community? This session will help you
Newsletter
Sign up to our eNewsletters to receive regular updates on Connect and other news about education and parent engagement in children's school lives and their learning.
Parents' Voice
We regularly seek your views so that we can reflect those views to policy-makers and in our consultation responses. Please join our Parents' Voice survey group - we need you!