Reading the guidance

Who should read the guidance?

This guidance is provided in accordance with the duty upon Scottish Ministers under the Act to issue guidance to: 

a) education authorities on their duties to prepare a strategy for parental involvement and a scheme for establishing Parent Councils; and

b) to Parent Councils on how they can carry out their functions. There are two main sections aimed at covering the duties and functions of education authorities and Parent Councils, but a reading of both sections will assist both parties with their understanding of the Act.

The guidance is of relevance to parents and professionals with an interest in extending parental involvement in children’s education. This includes headteachers, teachers, quality improvement officers, home-school link workers, family support staff, community learning development staff, neighbourhood workers, parents’ and children’s voluntary organisations, and health and social workers. 

The duties in the Act that apply to education authorities relate to their responsibilities towards parents who have a child attending one of their schools. However, the guidance may also be of interest to parents and providers outwith the education authority sector as it reflects the broad principles and benefits of parental involvement in a child’s education and learning that apply to all parents.