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Parent Councils

The role of a Parent Council, how to set one up and how to get involved.

Parent Councils are set up by parents for parents in schools. Parent Councils work with all parents and carers to help you be involved and engaged in the school and the education of your children.
 
The main contact for Parent Councils is the headteacher of your school. They can provide support and advice to the Parent Council.

How we can support you

The Education and Learning Directorate supports Parent Councils. We can help you if you are:

  • interested in setting up a Parent Council
  • a member of a Parent Council

Vanessa Morris – officer with responsibility for parental involvement and engagement
Email: parentcarer@dumgal.gov.uk

How to set up a Parent Council

How to set up a Parent Council – easy read


We also have detailed guidance on the following topics

  1. the scheme for the establishment of Parent Councils 
  2. the composition of a Parent Council 
  3. the functions of a Parent Council
  4. parents as partners in learning 
  5. roles and responsibilities
  6. constitution
  7. responsibilities of partnership working 
  8. financial responsibilities

Please contact us for a copy of this full guidance:

Email: parentcarer@dumgal.gov.uk

How to create a generic Parent Council email address

In order to have good and consistent communication with your Parent Council as ‘Chairs’ change over time, we strongly recommend that you create a generic email for your Parent Council. 

 

Connect Scotland

You can also access support from Connect Scotland. They:

  • provide information and training for Parent Councils
  • help parents, carers and parent groups to be involved and engaged in their children’s learning and life of the school with practical help and advice

All Parent Councils have automatic membership. If you are unsure of your membership details, contact Connect Scotland.

Email: info@connect.scot
Connect Scotland website
Connect Scotland – Facebook 
Connect Scotland – X

Other sources of help

Dumfries and Galloway Parent Council Forum (DGPCF) 

Email: dandgparentforum@gmail.com  
DGPCF – Facebook
DGPCF – DropBox – includes a handover pack for new chairs and role bearers, and example documents including a code of conduct, constitution and privacy notice.

National Parent Forum Scotland

Mel McGill – Dumfries and Galloway regional representative 
Email: dumfries.galloway@npfs.org.uk

Event licences

Many Parent Councils run raffles. For these events you should have a small society lottery licence.

If you want to serve alcohol at a Parent Council event, you must have an occasional licence.

Volunteering in schools

You can also get involved by volunteering in schools.

Parental involvement and engagement

For more on how to get involved with your child's school and education, go to parental involvement and engagement.