National Parent Forum of
Scotland
Iain Ellis MBE – West Dunbartonshire
Barrie Sheppard – North Lanarkshire
Purpose
The National Parent Forum of Scotland has been set up
to give Parent Councils and Parents an opportunity to
discuss and raise educational issues of mutual interest
or concerns at a national level.
Parents as partners in learning
The National Parent Forum of Scotland
 provides an independent voice for parents and carers
 communicates with parents and Parent Councils
 builds partnerships at national and local levels
 has parent representation on national committees
and working groups
Role
The Forum will work in partnership with national and local
government and other organisations involved in education
and well being issues to represent parents in pursuit of our
aim to help every pupil maximise his/her potential.
“Forum Constitution”
Establishing
relationships
Developing
Information for
parents
Influencing
policy
Representing
the views of
parents
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Curriculum for Excellence Management Board
Assessment and Qualifications
Additional Support Needs
Languages 1 + 2
Early Years Collaborative
GIRFEC Board
Raising Attainment
National Conference on CfE for Parents since 2010
Government Consultations Providing parents with information
Local Level
 Communication with Parent Councils
 Liaising with Local Authority
 Local Area Forums
 Linking with other groups
Communication
 National Parent Forum Blog
www.parentforumscotland.org
 Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/parentforumscotland
 Twitter https://twitter.com/parentforumscot
 enquiries@parentforumscotland.org
Leadership: Consulting Parents
Discussion
How would you (or share if you have done) carry out
consultation with parents on:
 Future of Study Leave
 Changing timing/numbers of subject choices
 Decision on old or new Higher
 How you decide on who to put forward for review of
marking (changes to Appeals)
 How decisions are made on Progression from Nat 4
and 5 and to Higher
Leadership :
Building parental confidence
How do parents feel right now:
 all too complicated
 Negative media
 Mixed messages from teachers
 Fear of unknown
 Worry about their kids future
 Focus seems on teachers not children
So what is way forward?
Questions?
Please don’t be shy?