Parental Involvement

Parent Councils

The Parental Involvement Act made changes to the arrangements for parental representation in all schools across Scotland. In August 2007 Parent Councils became the representative body for parents. For more information please look up the ParentZone website.

If you would like any details regarding Parent Councils in Shetland schools, please contact Children's Services on 01595 742628.

Parent Council Grant Applicaiton Process

The 2025/26 Parent Council Grant Application process is now closed.
Applications for 2026/27 will open in April 2026.

Grant funding covers the Clerk’s Honorarium and administrative costs related to running your Parent Council.

Examples include:

  • Photocopying of meeting materials
    (Please note: this does not include photocopying for fundraising activities.)
    Photocopying is usually carried out at the school, with costs invoiced to the Parent Council.
    Charges are:

    • £0.15 + VAT per single‑sided A4 B&W
    • £0.25 + VAT per double‑sided A4 B&W

  • Mileage costs for attending meetings or centrally‑organised events, such as the Parent Council Biannual Meeting.
    Mileage can be claimed at 45p per mile.

  • Audit fees for annual accounts – typically £30.

Required Documents

Please submit the following with your application:

  • Action Plan 2026/27 outlining how the Parent Council will support the school in promoting parental involvement
  • Bank statement as at 31 March
  • Audited/checked accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026
    • Accounts must be audited by an independent person—not a member of your Parent Forum
  • Project Evaluation Form

Contact Information

For queries regarding the Parent Council Grant Application process, please contact:

Children’s Services – Finance
Phone: 01595 743844
Email: childrensservices-finance@shetland.gov.uk

Useful Resources for Parent Councils

Connect (formally Scottish Parent Teacher Council) www.connect.scot
National Parent Forum of Scotland: http://www.parentforumscotland.org/
National Parent Forum of Scotland Shetland Representative can be contacted at Shetland@npfs.org.uk

Parent Council Office Bearers Contact Details Form