Parent resources

These vary considerably. A lot depends on how much parental involvement the Head can cope with but, on the whole, there is a move towards allowing and encouraging more of them. School parents’ associations may: have representatives on the board of governors; act as a sounding board for the Head (presenting complaints or suggestions and giving reactions to proposed changes); help with fund-raising, selling second-hand uniform, books etc; provide a useful source of careers information and work placements; and generally be a good way of being involved with the school in a social way. They are more likely to be effective if the Head and parents get along with one another.