Why is it so important to listen to parent voice?
Children do better when their parents are involved in their education. By developing a close partnership between parents and school, children will benefit. Secondly, parents can contribute to school improvement. They often have ideas about how things could be done differently or better to suit children and parents. Listening to their views can strengthen the school. Thirdly, many school policies have a direct impact on parents, such as the homework policy, behaviour policy and uniform policy. It is important therefore that they have a say. If parents are consulted and their views are taken account of they are more likely to be supportive of the school.
Why a Parent Council?
Parent voice is about the school listening to parents views on issues that affect them and taking account of those views in school decision making. A Parent Council is a democratic mechanism that enables:
- parents to meet, share ideas and feedback to school
- parent voice to be listened to
- parents to contribute to decision-making
- development of a partnership between parents and school
- a direct link with the Schools governing body