What is a parent council?
A parent council is a voluntary body that's linked to a specific school. Its role is to represent parents' views and make sure the school takes these into account.
Although a parent council's main members will always be parents and carers, it can also include:
- school staff
- people from the local community
- someone from a church or denominational body that's linked to the school
What does a parent council do?
How parent councils work and what they do will vary from school to school. However, in all cases, a parent council will:
- identify the views of all parents, and make sure they're represented
- work with the school to create a welcoming, inclusive place for all parents
- promote partnership between the school, pupils, parents and local community
Parent councils are also consulted whenever a school decides to appoint a new headteacher or deputy headteacher. If the appointment process involves a recruitment panel, some parent council members will usually sit on this.
In some cases, a parent council might arrange activities that support pupils' education and welfare. This could involve holding:
- fundraisers
- social events
How you can get involved
If you're interested in joining a parent council, ask your child's school for more information.
How you can find out more
General information on parent councils
The Scottish Government has published guidance on its main site and Parentzone Scotland.
Parentzone Scotland information on parent councils
Scottish Government guidance on the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006
Parent Council Network Action Note 23 April 2024
Parent Council network meetings 2023/24
Tuesday 16 January 2024, 6pm to 8pm
Tuesday 23 April 2024, 6pm to 8pm
Thursday 26 September 2024, 6pm to 8pm
Parent councils and 'promoted post' appointments
Our Schools, Learning and Education team has produced guidance that explains:
- what happens when a school wants to fill a 'promoted post' like headteacher or deputy headteacher
- how the appointment process works
- the role of parent council members in this process
This guidance is outlined in a Local Negotiating Committees for Teachers agreement about promoted posts.
Appointment procedures guidance for promoted posts
Insurance for parent councils
Our Schools, Learning and Education team has produced guidance on:
- what sort of parent council activities need public liability insurance
- how parent councils are insured