Join the Scottish Assembly of Parents and Carers

• It brings parents and carers in Scotland together to discuss education issues of interest, like attendance, behaviour and mobile phone use in schools.
• It makes sure parents’ views, ideas and experiences are heard by the Scottish Government, national education partners and the national parents’ organisation, Connect.

• Members come together in small or larger groups to discuss education issues. These are chosen by Assembly members, and sometimes by the Scottish Government and education partners.
• All members are invited to share views and ideas – through focus groups, surveys and online or face-to-face meetings.
• Members choose which discussions they want to take part in. They also decide how, and when, they have these discussions.
• Assembly members are supported by Connect and the Assembly’s Project Co-Ordinator. 

At present over 350 parents and carers from all over Scotland have joined the Assembly. These parents and carers all have school age children and come from diverse families, backgrounds, and communities. They have a wide range of experiences and perspectives, from additional support needs to Gaelic education.

So far the Assembly has focused on three topics chosen by its members:

The Education (Scotland) Bill

The Education (Scotland) Bill will create a new body called Qualifications Scotland to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). It aims to improve the way the qualifications system works, for learners and teachers. 

Assembly members took part in a survey to explore their awareness of the Bill. Members will continue look at how communication with parents and carers about the upcoming changes in education reform can be improved. You can see the results of the Education (Scotland) Bill survey here.

Parental involvement in schools

Assembly members took part in a survey looking at how parents and carers can be more involved in their child’s learning and school life. The findings show how important it is for parents to be part of their child’s education. You can see the results of the parental involvement survey here.

Additional support for learning

Assembly members with lived experience of additional support needs – either as parents, carers or individuals – have co-produced a report that sets out 8 areas of action to transform additional support needs provision across Scotland, so all learners feel seen, supported and empowered. You can see the additional support for learning report here.

Any parent or carer of a school age child in Scotland can apply to become a member. Applications for new members are now open and you can register your interest here. Connect can help if you need assistance with filling out the application form, so if you need any advice or help please contact info@parentcarerassembly.scot.  

Just bring your experiences and your interest! The Assembly will work well if members are: 

• respectful of others
• able to listen
• willing to learn
• and keen to share their thoughts and good ideas.  

Ask Connect about their 'Working Well Together' document. This sets out some ideas for helping Assembly members to collaborate and contribute their valued insights. If you need support to be able to participate, please let us know.  

• You will be kept informed about the Assembly and its impact.
• Information will be accessible and in plain English.
• You will be listened to, and heard, respectfully.
• You will be able to listen to other parents and carers, and sometimes education partners, in the spirit of co-operation and equality.
• A small gratuity will be given for attending meetings, focus groups and discussion groups as a ‘thank you’ for giving up your time.