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Results of National Parents Council survey

21 April 2009

Thank you to everyone who submitted comments to the survey and participated in the regional discussion groups as part of the study on national representation for Parent Councils that was commissioned by Scottish Government and carried out by Carole Millar Research earlier this year. The survey closed at the end of January and had around 500 responses.

Carole Millar also spoke to representatives of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and the Scottish Parent Council Association, as well as a variety of other parental representative groups. A summary of the research is being sent out to all Parent Councils. Here is a brief outline of the findings and what will happen next:

The findings

  • 79% of those who expressed a view stated that they are in favour of a national body to represent the views of parents.
  • The main reason given for wanting a national body was so that parents could have a voice at a national level.
  • Parents considered that a national organisation should represent a wide range of interests and areas.
  • Over 1/3 of respondents to the survey said they would be happy to come to a regional event and ¼ of respondents indicated that they would be keen to come to a national conference to discuss things further.

What will happen next?

This year’s National Parent Conference will be held on 13th June at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow. There will be a session at the conference where Carole Millar will present her findings in full and there will be an opportunity to discuss the implications of her report. This will give parents and Parent Councils the chance to decide on next steps for taking things forward.

In the meantime, if you have any thoughts or comments on this issue, please let us know by emailing the parentzone inbox (parentzone@scotland.gsi.gov.uk)

If you would like to attend the conference, please email conference organiser Mike Kincaid (mike@eltconsultants.co.uk.) A copy of the main findings is being sent to all Parent Councils and a link to the full report will appear here shortly.

Further reading