13th May 2022
Connect, National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) and Scottish Parental Involvement Officers Network (SPION) sent this statement to the Scottish Government, ADES, COSLA and others to call on local authorities and school leaders to follow latest COVID guidance allowing parents/carers and Parent Councils/PTAs access to school buildings to support their children:
Given the disregard being paid by some local authorities and school leaders to the latest COVID guidance from Scottish Government, we believe the message has to be re-stated as a matter of urgency, as an expectation that the role of parents and carers is respected and that principles of co-production and partnership are made real.
The following was highlighted recently to school leaders in one local authority area and we feel it makes the expectation quite clear. We would simply add that the decisions at a local level should reflect the wishes of parents and carers.
Our organisations want Scottish Government and COSLA to take the lead on requiring local authorities and schools to follow existing guidance.
New Covid Guidance for Schools - published 2nd May
Here is the link to the latest Covid guidance for schools from the Scottish Government:
"There are no restrictions on parents, carers or wider family members entering school buildings, although they will be expected to comply with the school’s routine measures. There are therefore no restrictions on “in person” parent/carer evenings, parent/carer related events and meetings in school buildings, e.g. subject choice events, career events, fundraising events, family learning activities, volunteering in school, Parent Council, Parent Teacher Association meetings and other similar events or meetings. Parents, carers and family members are able to attend indoor and outdoor sporting and cultural events."