Highland schools lead parental push

Issued on behalf of the Scottish Executive

Highland schools are set to show Scotland how parents can get more involved in their children's education.

Rosebank School, Nairn, and St Duthus School, Tain, both feature in a new guide that gives good ideas for getting more parents involved in education more effectively. The examples showcased include special school-run events for the whole family.

A revamped website for parents was also unveiled today.  Parentzone gives parents lots of information about education in Scotland and practical advice on how they can help with their children's learning. The improved design now makes it even easier to find out about schools, the curriculum and the latest educational news.

Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said: "Children do better in school when their parents take a close interest in what's going on. That's why we want to get more parents more involved with what's going on in their own children's learning and at schools more generally. Schools across the Highlands are already working hard to build strong relationships with parents. We want every school across the country to follow suit and work with parents to support their children's learning in the Highlands and across Scotland.

"Access to good information makes it easier for parents to get involved in their child's education. The updated Parentzone website will make it easier for parents to find out about the education system.  When  parents have more information and good links with their children's school, they can help their children get the very most from their education."

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

1. All schools will receive a copy of the Involving Parents CD-rom which has been produced by the University of Aberdeen.  The CD-rom features case study examples from 54 schools across Scotland, highlighting different ways that schools have successfully involved parents.

2. The Parentzone website is at http://www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk.

3. The latest in a series of leaflets for parents were also published today. They give information on getting involved with the school and personal learning planning.   Leaflets can be requested by emailing the Parentzone mailbox: parentzone@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.