| Date -19 Oct 2005 | Return to previous page |
The Moray Council’s Educational Services Department is organising a Parent Information Day which will take place in Elgin Library on Saturday 5th November, from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
The role that parents play in supporting their children`s learning has long been recognised as a significant contributory factor in how well children perform in school. Schools, both nationally and in Moray, are fully aware of this, and many opportunities are provided for parents to work in partnership with the school.
At national level, the Scottish Executive has been actively encouraging and promoting parental involvement in children`s learning. The recent consultation on the draft Parental Involvement Bill, which proposes changes to the current School Boards (Scotland) 1988 Act, is evidence of this. A report on the results of this consultation exercise is due to be issued by the Scottish Executive this Autumn. A series of leaflets, under the title of “Making the Difference” have been provided by the Executive to support schools and parents` groups in developing their practice in this area. These include leaflets on homework, parents` evenings, starting the new school year, sharing information, and school holidays. Details of these initiatives and further
support materials are available from the Scottish Executive`s PARENTZONE website at www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
In Moray, a working group with representation from school staff, parents, and a range of other organisations that provide support for parents and children, has been meeting to bring forward recommendations for a Moray Parental Involvement Strategy, to encourage parents to become involved in their children`s learning.
The Parent Information Day is a “drop in” event where parents can receive information, advice and leaflets on a range of educational topics and support with the role of being a parent.
The event will highlight the broad range of agencies that are working to support parents, pupils, and schools.
A letter inviting all parents in Moray to attend will be sent out via schools on Monday 24th October.
Information will be provided on the following topics:
• Support to parents from health visitors
• Support for pupils with English as an additional language
• Moray Adult Literacy project
• Examples of parent partnership activities with school
• The work of local community networks in supporting transition between primary and secondary school
• Literacy, numeracy, and science activities
• Pre-school educational services
• Advice for parents on Additional Support for Learning
• Advice for parents on the Determined to Succeed initiative for Enterprise in Education
• Library and information services, including support for homework
• Police Schools Liaison Officer involvement in educational programmes
• Information for parents about the National Parenting Development Project
Lots of leaflets, including the full range of Educational Services Parent Prompts will be available for parents to take away, and a number of activities and quizzes will be organised for children during the day.
As Saturday is shopping day for many Moray families it is hoped that parents from Elgin, and from other parts of Moray will take this opportunity to visit the event.
Other similar information events are to held in each of the Moray secondary school catchment areas. Parents will be asked what they would like to be included in these events.
Note to editors
For further information contact John Trodden, Quality Improvement Officer Tel 01343 563289.
Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046