We have seen the publication of a further independent report calling for the establishment of a new national parents’ body, as you reported on October 26. This is something the Scottish Consumer Council has been calling for since 1999.
Such a body would be a major step in the influence that parents can have on educational policy, not just on their children’s schooling. Given previous experiences, we weren’t surprised to hear that the existing bodies “slated” the proposals to improve parental representation.
Both bodies’ responses do parents a disservice and make it too easy for their views to be sidelined. With the Scottish Government willing to invest in this area, isn’t it about time our current advocates considered what is best for Scottish parents rather than what is best for their organisations?
Jennifer Wallace, policy manager, Scottish Consumer Council.
