Members of the Conservative Group on Moray Council are calling for parents to make their views known at school.
Conservative councillors spoke up following a lengthy debate on parental engagement during the Children and Young People's Committee at Moray council this week at which they expressed concern at the lack of evidence of input from parents.
Cllr Claire Feaver (Forres) said: “Following a question at committee I was alarmed to find out that reports on school progress were not apparently being sent to parents or PTA groups meaning that parents seem to be missing out on the opportunity to provide feedback.
"We often get reports to committee about specific schools and I had always been under the impression that these reports had been passed by parents and the school PTA for comment. But it seems this is not always so, and that is very disappointing.
“I urge parents to remember that they have a legal right to be involved in and comment on life in a school and that includes being free to comment on inspections, behavioural policy, attainment and improvement plans. For the benefit of our young people it is so important that both this side of school life as well as fundraising is discussed during PTA meetings.
"For me it is vital that education officers ensure that parents agree and are happy with progress reports written by head teachers.”
Supporting Cllr Feaver in the call is leader of the Conservative group Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie)
“This is not about attacking head teachers who have a very complex job with many competing responsibilities. It is about reinforcing the message that parents can be a force for good in schools and that open discussion can enhance community relations and help a school be the very best"
"I was astounded that when we called for some progress reports to be delayed pending parental comment, SNP councillors voted against the move despite earlier in the meeting saying how important parental and partner engagement is. For members of the committee to not agree to a delay for parental inclusion is for me very strange and goes against the fundamentals of the Curriculum for Excellence and our own local strategies.
“I urge parents to get involved in school life by becoming part of your PTA. You should feel confident and able to talk to your headteacher about anything and for that comment to be taken seriously. From now on we will be fighting to make sure this happens."
