Parent Voice Group

Glashieburn's Parent Voice Group is appointed to run matters on the parent forum's behalf, and they also have the right to decide on their constitution;  this is be done at an Annual General Meeting or AGM.

 What are the main responsibilities of the Parent Voice Group to the Parent Forum?

The Parent Forum (all parents at the school) can expect the following from the Parent Voice Group:

• To receive information about the Parent Voice Group and its activities

• To be invited to be involved in Parent Voice Group activities, such as subcommittees

• To be asked for their opinion by the Parent Voice Group on issues relating to the school community

• To have all views represented in an equal and fair way

• To participate in how the Parent Voice Group is organised and how it operates, for example making changes to the constitution

• To be inclusive and recognise the diversity in Scottish schools by involving all types of parents.

What are the main duties of the Parent Voice Group ?

The first duty of the Parent Voice Group is to represent the views of the parents at the school.  The duties of a Parent Voice Group are not laid down in legislation so it is up to each Parent Forum to decide what they want their Parent Voice Group to do.  This should be detailed in the constitution.  There are many things a Parent Voice Group could get involved in, including:

• Supporting the work of the school, for example, by advising the school on its policies

• Being involved in the appointment of senior staff

• Organising social and fundraising events

• Promoting contact between all parents and the rest of the school community

• Discussing anything that’s of interest to parents

• Ensuring all parents from different backgrounds are listened to and understand what the Parent Voice Group does

Can anyone become a member of the Parent Voice Group ?

Any parent with a child at the school may become a member of the Parent Voice Group .  Parents must always be in the majority and the Chair must always be a parent with a child at the school.  The headteacher has a right and a duty to attend Parent Voice Group meetings but is not automatically a member; they are there as an advisor.  It is up to the Parent Forum to decide if there should be other members of the Parent Voice Group and this should be detailed in the constitution, for example, co-opted members.

How can I get to know what my Parent Voice Group is doing?

If your Parent Voice Group communicates information on its activities via newsletters and the school website.

Can I ask to see the minutes and accounts from Glashieburn's Parent Voice Group ?

Yes. Remember, the Parent Voice Group is responsible to the Parent Forum and these documents should always be open to parents at the school.

I am not a member of the Parent Voice Group l; can I still attend their meetings?

There is no reason why you shouldn’t. Parent Voice Group meetings are public meetings and open to all members of the Parent Forum.  Of course, it is up to the Chair how the meeting is conducted and you may have to ask them if you wish to address the Parent Voice Group . If you have an issue that you wish to bring to the Parent Voice Group , then it is good practice to let the Chair or other Parent Voice Group member know about this in advance.

Minutes from our Previous Meetings