NPFS CONFERENCE REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS.
If you missed the NPFS annual conference, or attended but would like a reminder, then visit our website to read the conference report and view some of the workshop presentations and the keynote speeches from Sir Ian Wood and the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, Dr Alasdair Allan.EVIDENCE TO EDUCATION COMMITTEE ON BUDGET CUTS
NPFS provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament Education and Culture Committee’s scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2015-6 in relation to primary and secondary schools. We emphasised that parental involvement makes a crucial difference to attainment levels, and raised parents’ concerns about the effect of budget cuts on pupils’ learning experiences.You can view our submission here. The Committee have now published their report. We welcome their recommendations, particularly in relation to Local Authority decision making, and the extent to which parents can become involved.WOOD COMMISSION ON DEVELOPING SCOTLAND’S YOUNG WORKFORCE
The Wood Commission investigated how Scotland could produce better qualified, work-ready young people with relevant skills which match employers’ needs. The Commission’s report looks at ways of increasing employment opportunities for young people and ensuring high-quality vocational education, for example through stronger links between schools and FE colleges. The Commission’s findings were discussed at the NPFS annual conference, where Sir Ian Wood stated how important he judged parents to be in supporting the transformational change needed. The NPFS is currently in discussion with various bodies in how we can play our part — representing parents fully. Watch this space!!! The Scottish Government joint response to the Commission’s report – in the form of an implementation plan – was published at the end of 2014 and can be found here.
1+2 LANGUAGES LEAFLET
This new leaflet provides advice for parents on the new languages policy which means that all pupils in Scotland will learn a language from Primary 1 and another language from Primary 5. It contains answers to questions such as why should my child learn other languages or what about learners with additional support needs. If you would like a copy of the 1+2 leaflet for yourself, your school or parent council please click here.
SURVEY FOR PARENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
ENABLE Scotland is inviting parents with learning difficulties/disabilities from across Scotland to take part in their survey. It aims to find out what support parents find helpful, and what other forms of support they might need. Please pass on the link to anyone you know who may be interested: http://www.npfs.org.uk/2014/11/24/enable-scotland-family-support-project-2/
READ ON GET ON
This campaign aims to get all children reading well by the time they leave primary school. It follows on from concerns that too many children in Scotland are leaving primary school unable to read well, particularly the 1 in 5 children living in poverty. There are four strands of action on enjoyment of reading, early years, schools and supporting parents and families to read at home. Everyone can do something – for example, 10 minutes a day reading with a child makes a huge difference. You can find out more on the campaign website www.readongeton.org.uk
NPFS GIRFEC REPRESENTATIVE
Fiona Nicholson, NPFS rep from Shetland, attended the Children in Scotland annual conference in November. She sits on the National Implementation Group for GIRFEC and was asked to speak alongside Alan Small from the Scottish Government team responsible for Information Sharing, and Ross Drummond, Perth & Kinross Council. The session was GIRFEC Implementation of the Named Person Commitment – addressing the concerns and was well attended with 64 delegates from all areas of education, social care, health and the third sector. Fiona said: “I was pleased to be asked to speak at the CiS conference to a range of delegates involved in our children’s upbringing. I felt that it was important for the voice of a parent to be present.” The NPFS is working with the Scottish Government GIRFEC team to develop information for parents and families, including some myth busting on the Children and Young Peoples Act.
GUERNSEY LOOKS AT SQA QUALIFICATIONS
Eric Lumsden (NPFS’ West Lothian rep) was part of a delegation led by the SQA, to Guernsey, taking part in presentations to the Guernsey Minister for Education, Education Department and various employers’ representatives. There was considerable interest in the recent Scottish education reforms and Curriculum for Excellence. In October of this year, TESS reported that adopting Scotland’s approach to education was the top choice among Guernsey’s state-school staff with 31% approval, despite fears it could lead to difficulties in recruiting teachers from England. Guernsey’s Education Director, Alan Brown (who was born in Dundee), was reported in TESS as stating that “the island shared Scotland’s philosophy and principles in such areas as the early years, curricular development and school improvement”. Eric Lumsden, who is a member of the SQA Advisory Council as a Parent Representative, stated that it was a great experience, looking at the education system in another area of the UK and there is no doubt that many people in Guernsey are in admiration of the Scottish system and the breadth of opportunities it provides to our young people.
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Contact Us
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NPFS Vacancies – Get Involved
We currently have vacancies for representatives in the following areas: Angus, Argyll and Bute, Western Isles, Midlothian and Fife. If you are interested in representing your local authority at the national level please contact the NPFS office or your local authority for further information.
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New Reps
NPFS are delighted to welcome onboard new representatives in Aberdeenshire, Highland, Moray, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Eleanor and Aileen who will jointly represent Moray, have written the first ever NPFS blog post which can be found here, introducing themselves and explaining why they decided to volunteer. ‘Joining the Parent Council has met my expectations and I’ve really enjoyed the experience, so jumped at the chance of becoming involved with the National Parent Forum. I’m keen to learn and be involved in any way I can.’
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Useful Contacts
The Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit has been prepared to support dyslexic children and young people, containing section for professionals, parents and young people themselves.
The new BBC Bitesize site brings together in one place all the BBC’s formal education content, covering all the main secondary subjects, and also new primary guides. Children in Scotland is the national agency for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals working with children and their families in Scotland.
Education Scotland’s Parentzone website provides you with up to date information about your child’s education. Enquire is the Scottish Advice Service for Additional Support for Learning
My World of Work Scotland’s national careers advice website. Find work, skills and learning opportunities.
Parenting Across Scotland offers information and support for families in Scotland. Parentline helpline provides support and information for parent / carers and families on 0800 282233
SQA helps people to fulfil their potential and to achieve their ambitions by providing a wide range of high quality, internationally recognised qualifications and associated services.
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