Participation and involvement
Schools that seek to improve emotional health and well-being among the whole school population have a strong commitment to partnership working and collective responsibility that actively involves and reflects the views of pupils, parents, carers and families.
Children and young people
The 'UN Convention on the Rights of the Child' (1991) states that all children and young people have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them.
The Scottish Parliament regularly refers to the need to consult with children and young people over national policy issues, while legislation has increasingly given children and young people rights to participate in decision-making and the planning of services.
For children and young people to be genuinely involved in decision-making and planning it is essential that they participate in a way that enables them to fully understand the subject in question and to feel comfortable in giving their views.
Parents, carers and families
A range of potential benefits to emotional well-being and ethos can be gained by involving parents, carers and families in all aspects of daily school life. For example:
- empowerment
- inclusion
- improved health
- improved achievement
- improved communication
- improved relationships
- support with projects and activities
- stronger community links.
There is also evidence that greater participation, inclusion and the active involvement of parents leads to better emotional, social and education outcomes. These outcomes in turn lead to higher achievement and attainment, better behaviour and improved morale among pupils and staff.
Find out more about how you can work with your child's school on these pages:
