Parents and families are one of the most important influences on a child's life. It has been proven that when parents take an active role in their child's learning that it makes a positive difference to their achievement.
The Parental Involvement Act was passed to encourage and support parents to become involved in their children's education. The Act aimed to improve how parents and schools talk to each other. It gave duties to the school to give relevant information to help parents with their child's learning at home and to encourage parental involvement in the school.
Guidance from the Scottish Government on the Parental Involvement Act and on parent councils
After the Act came into force parent councils became the formal parent group at each school. They aimed to allow parents to have their views and wishes heard by the school and the local authority.
In West Dunbartonshire parent councils are kept up to date on information related to their school and the local authority through the Parents Strategy Group.
