Education

Parents in education

Improving our relationship with parents and schools has been one of our priorities for several years. It is included in our Education Development Plan as we recognise the important role parents and carers have in the school life of their children.

There are many ways that parents, or carers, can become more involved in the education of their child. These include home-school agreements, Family Learning courses and individual school-based projects. Free access to computers and the internet, plus books and study space, at all our public libraries allow parents and children to work together on projects and homework.

In Spring 2003 we re-launched a leaflet setting out what you, as parents and carers, can expect from us and our school, and what we can expect from you to secure a better education for all our children.

Schools

Schools will:

Welcome parents' support and involvement in the work of the school and the education of their child
Report regularly to parents on the educational progress and development of their child
Let parents know quickly of any problems or difficulties a child may be having at school
Respond promptly and fairly to any problems or complaints a parent may raise
Promote good behaviour and respect among pupils and staff
Deal effectively with any cases of misconduct, including discrimination or bullying
Provide a safe environment for all pupils
Provide an appropriate curriculum with good-quality teaching for all pupils
Contact parents regularly about the school, its curriculum, organisation and activities
Encourage pupils to develop positive attitudes to their school work; and
Develop each child's own potential, both in educational terms and as a member of society

The council

We will:

Improve the availability of information on the education of children of all ages
Support work with parents from minority ethnic groups and provide information for speakers of languages other than English
Develop and extend the Parents in Partnership scheme for parents of pupils with special needs
Support school-based projects and courses for parents
Work with children and parents to promote good patterns of attendance
Continue to promote and extend learning opportunities for parents in basic skills
Provide training and support for teachers as they work with parents; and
Share good practice and ideas among schools and with other authorities and organisations

Parents

Parents should:

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and has breakfast before coming to school
Make sure your child comes to school regularly and on time, appropriately dressed and with everything they need for school that day
Avoid taking holidays during term time so that your child does not fall behind with school work
Encourage your child to join the local library and to use the internet, computers, suitable books, newspapers, radio, films and television to help their education
Support your child's learning at home by providing, as far as possible, suitable space and conditions
Encourage your child to have a good attitude to learning by talking to him or her about activities and any homework
Take part in your child's school life, for example, go to parent evenings
Support the aims of the school and its policies
Expect your child to show respect for other pupils and school staff; and
Tell the school about any problems affecting your child's education