Parent Councils
The Parental Involvement Act (Scotland) introduced changes to parental representation in schools across Scotland. As a result, Parent Councils became the official representative body for parents in August 2007.
For more information about parent involvement and Parent Councils, visit the ParentZone website.
If you require details about Parent Councils in Shetland schools, please contact:
Children's Services
📞 01595 742628
Parent Council Grant Application Process
The Parent Council Grant Application process for 2026/27 is now open.
Parent Council Grant Application
What the Grant Covers
Grant funding is provided to support core Parent Council running costs, including the Clerk's Honorarium and essential administrative expenses.
Eligible Costs Include:
- Clerk’s Honorarium
£400 per annum, paid in two instalments (September and February) - Photocopying of meeting materials
Please note: photocopying for fundraising activities is not covered.
Photocopying is usually carried out at the school, with costs invoiced to the Parent Council.
Charges are:- £0.15 + VAT per single‑sided A4 (black & white)
- £0.25 + VAT per double‑sided A4 (black & white)
- Mileage costs for:
- Parent Council meetings
- Centrally-organised events (e.g. Parent Council Biannual Meeting)
Mileage can be claimed at 45p per mile.
- Audit or independent checking of annual accounts
- Typically £30 per year
Required Documents
Applications must include the following documents:
- Action Plan 2026/27
Outlining how the Parent Council will support the school in promoting parental involvement - Bank statement as at 31 March
- Audited or independently checked accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026
- Accounts must be reviewed by an independent person who is not a member of the Parent Forum
- Project Evaluation Form
Incomplete applications may cause delays in processing.
Contact Information
For queries regarding the Parent Council Grant Application process, please contact:
Children’s Services – Finance
📞 01595 743844
✉️ 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