What do we mean by parents?

What do we mean by parents?

The Act uses the broadly framed definition of ‘parent’ set out in the 1980 Act. This is as follows:

• 'parent' includes guardian and any person who is liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities (within the meaning of section 1(3) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995) in relation to, or has care of a child or young person.

This is a wide definition which might, by way of example, include:

• non-resident parents who are liable to maintain or have parental responsibilities in respect of a child 
• carers who can be parents 
• others with parental responsibilities, e.g. foster carers, relatives and friends who are caring for children and young people under supervision arrangements 
• close relatives, such as siblings or grandparents caring for children who are not looked after or are under home supervision arrangements.

Everyone who is a parent, as defined in terms of the 1980 Act, has rights under the Act. This includes the right to receive advice and information about their child’s education, general information about the school, to be told about meetings involving their child, and to participate in activities, such as taking part in decisions relating to a Parent Council. Education authorities and schools should treat parents equally, the exception to this general requirement being where there is a court order limiting an individual’s exercise of parental rights and responsibilities. It is for education authorities to advise schools on the application of these rights in individual cases.