Purpose of the Parent Council

Parent Councils can provide an excellent forum for parents to come together, share ideas, and put forward their views to the Principal and governing body of their school. They can break down barriers, perceived or actual, between the school and parents.

Although every Parent Council evolves differently depending on the nature of the school, they all serve two distinct but related purposes: 

• To give parents a voice and increase their active involvement in decision-making, fostering a culture of ownership and participation.
• To develop a partnership between the school and parents/carers in order to support and promote the pupils’ learning and bring about change.

These are the two aims for the Parent Council at WEPA this year. Alongside more formal meetings, to begin later in the academic year (if there is sufficient interest), we will also be inviting parents in to assist with different projects and activities throughout the school year. These projects include, but are not limited to: charity days, Futures Week, reading projects and work with the Green Team. Letters and flyers will be sent out bearing the branding of the parent council before each event. Thank you to parents who have already contributed by attending the coffee morning to share ideas, and to those who have been in to school to read with children – this is hugely appreciated. 

Benefits for children

• Children achieve more when their parents are involved in their education.
• Their parents will receive advice and information about how to support their learning.
• Their concerns can be resolved more quickly when their parents have a positive relationship with school staff.
• Children can learn things that may be outside the experience of their teachers, but are a particular specialism of a parent.

Benefits for parents 

• Parents have a forum in which they can come together, share ideas and put forward their views to the school.
• They get the support and advice they need to help and encourage their children with their learning.
• They have more information about their children's education and the quality of that education.