As a parent you may be unaware that regulations require education authorities to provide certain information each year to parents/carers (usually known as “the school handbook”) about the school which their child attends. This information may be available in a range of formats and could be included as part of the school’s annual report.
It typically covers a range of information such as transport facilities, school meal provision, post-school destinations, additional support for learning, discipline and school rules, enforcement of attendance, specialist provision, attainment in National Qualifications and placing requests.
The changes currently taking place in 3-18 education in Scotland through Curriculum for Excellence suggest the current requirements for the school handbook need to be refreshed and updated to ensure it is more relevant and helpful for parents, and more consistent with the values, purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence.
The Scottish government is seeking your views on the future requirements for providing the right kinds of information for parents and carers about their child’s school, which opened in mid November and will end on 14 March 2011.
The consultation questionnaire can be accessed online should you wish to make your thoughts and views known.
Ralph
Pencaitland Parent Council
