Your role as a parent
“Parent” includes guardian and any person who is liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities (within the section 1 (3) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995) in relation to, or has care of a child or young person."
We want the best start in life for every young person in East Ayrshire, including those who are not yet born.
Your role as a parent is vital and we hope you’ll play an active part all through your child’s educational journey.
Parent forum/council
You are automatically part of the Parent Forum at your child’s school which can form a smaller body called the Parent Council to represent them. Some early childhood centres may have a Parents’ Committee. The Parent Council represents parents’ views and supports the school in its work with pupils, reporting back to the Parent Forum. In addition, the Parent Council organises fund-raising events and encourages links between the school or centre, parents, pupils and the wider community.
Parent helper/volunteer
Parent helpers/volunteers are welcome and your school will be able to advise on the opportunities available to assist at events and activities.
To get involved as a volunteer, you will have to undergo a Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme before you can assist in school or an early childhood centre.
Communications with parents and carers
We are keen to maintain excellent and open communication links with parents and carers and have a number of ways in which we do this:
- Newsletters will be posted on the school website where available.
- The school or centre will contact you by telephone if there is every anything specific that we wish to discuss with you. Should you ever wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s development, please phone the school or centre and an appointment to meet will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
- The school homework diary is another means of communication where parents and teachers and practitioners can share relevant information about your child. In addition to homework, your child will also bring home samples of pupil work for you to see and discuss with your child.
- The school or centre will keep you informed of your child’s progress in terms of learning and achievement. Forms of reporting your child’s progress may include, telephone calls, letters, emails, written reports, parents workshops and/or parent’s evenings where you will have the opportunity to make appointments to speak to class or subject teachers who can share information regarding your child’s particular curricular strengths, progress and development needs. The teacher/practitioner will also share ideas as to how you can help your child at home.
School updates
We will make sure that all parents, carers and staff are kept informed with information about their child’s school/ECC by using the following platforms:
Parentzone Scotland
For information and advice on education and learning, you can sign up to receive e-bulletins from Parentzone Scotland.