PTA UK, the largest nationwide membership organisation for parent bodies, has published the findings of two recent surveys of English parents that reveal 85% of parents want a say in how their child is educated, while only 18% felt that the Government listens to parents on what they want for their children’s education. The findings are based on a survey of 1,000 parents conducted in June 2015.
PTA UK represents Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) in over 50% of schools in England. Executive director of PTA UK, Emma Williams, says: “What is emphatic is that parents do want to be more involved in education, with 97% of them believing they should be consulted when big changes are proposed to how a school is run. Two thirds of parents currently do not understand the changes the Government wishes to make in terms of policy, how schools are run or the role of the regional schools. This is clearly a concern which needs to be addressed.”
Emma continues: “We are pleased that the Education and Adoption Bill and Education Select Committee is allowing our politicians to consider the role of parents in education matters, both locally and regionally. We have published these findings to help inform the debate.”
Parents play an influential role in their child’s education. 96% of those surveyed felt being consulted makes them feel included in their child’s education – indicating the importance of establishing effective links between school and home.
Emma concludes: “We are calling on all those involved in education to work together to find ways of involving parents in a constructive way. PTAs can and do work with schools leaders and governors to help children achieve their potential and improve school life. Early, effective engagement may also benefit everyone by reducing time-consuming conflict down the line.”
Statistics from the PTA UK research, prepared with YouGov include:
- 85% want a say in how their child is educated
- 79% want to support their child’s school
- 67% feel that their child’s school is good at communicating with them
- 46% feel that their child’s school takes action based on their feedback
- 33% understand the changes the Government is making to education
- 18% feel the Government listens to parents on what they want for their children’s education
PTA UK’s Summer Parent Insight Survey 2015, a Facebook survey of 1,350 parents, found:
- 97% of parents feel they should be consulted when big changes are proposed to how a school is run
- 96% feel being consulted makes them feel included in their child’s education
- 15% understand the role of regional schools commissioners
PTA UK’s submission to the Education Select Committee can be found here.
