The role of the headteacher
The headteacher should be present at Parent Council meetings, or be represented by another member of staff, unless both the headteacher and the Parent Council agree it isn’t necessary.
The headteacher can be asked to give advice and information to the Parent Council on any school matter they are responsible for.
The headteacher is required to give a yearly report to the Parent Council on the performance of the school and on the objectives and ambitions for the school.
Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher Appointment Regulations
Regulations that came into effect on 1 August 2007 ensured that parents are actively involved in the process leading to the appointment of Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers in Scotland. Local authority employers will be obliged to invite the Parent Council to participate in all stages of the appointment process and parents must have a minimum one third representation on the final appointment panel.
The regulations (Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) 2007 No.132) are available from the Office of Public Service Information website. The Scottish Government has now issued Guidance to complement these regulations for use by local authorities, schools and parental organisations.
