Parents Encouraged to Play Greater Role in Children’s Education

Parents of children who have difficulties at school are to be given more support and opportunities to participate in their children's education. Education Minister Peter Peacock, speaking ahead of the United Nations International Day of the Family (15 May), said that the Executive wanted all parents to have a greater involvement in their child's education and that a working group is developing plans to help parents whose children are having problems at school.

The working group has looked at good work currently taking place in schools to consider how staff can best engage with parents and pupils. Their findings will be sent to Scottish schools and authorities, including practical ideas such as:
 

• Regularly letting parents know what is going well for their child – this makes the task of involving them in resolving difficulties much easier. Too often for parents communications from the schools is always 'bad news'.
   
• Holding open afternoons where parents can join their children (in a fun activity) to involve them in school events beyond the typical once-a-year school play.
   
• Making sure that the reception area is welcoming and that reception staff make parents feel welcome – the first point of contact is often the most important.
   
• Examining how parents are currently contacted by schools e.g. the kind of letters and leaflets used to inform parents about issues such as exclusion and truancy.

Mr Peacock said: "Parental involvement in their children's education should not stop at the school gates. The more parents are involved the better for their children – they can and do make a difference. I recognise that it can be especially difficult for parents whose child is having problems to work with the school – we need to ensure we remove any such obstacles to provide the best support for each pupil."

The working group is due to report by the end of the summer and will send their findings to schools in the autumn.

14 May 2004