New: guide for parent consultation for the school participation council.

New: guide for parent consultation for the school participation council.

In some changes, the school and school participation council must first consult parents. This is stated in the law. Little is set about how such a parent consultation should look, who is responsible, and what happens with the results. That is why Versterking Medezeggenschap made a guide with practical tools.

What Does The Law Say About Parent Consultation?

Schools must consult parents in different situations that can have a big impact on them, according to the law. Also, the law states that the school participation council can only make a decision after parents have been consulted. Parents must be heard about the subject. The school or school participation council must consult parents at least in the following situations:

• Change to the before- and after-school care rules
• Change of the school’s foundation
• In case of a merger or closure
• Change of school hours (only at primary school)

Guide for Parent Consultation

The main goal of the parent consultation is to find out what parents think of the plans and if there is enough support and backing. But how do you arrange a parent consultation, who is responsible, and what do you do with the results? The law says nothing about that. That is why Versterking Medezeggenschap developed a guide for the school participation council. Ouders & Onderwijs was involved, as part of Versterking Medezeggenschap.

Tools, Tips, And Examples

For carrying out a parent consultation, it is important to have clear agreements. The guide explains what to think about during the process. How and when do you communicate with parents? How do you measure support for the change? And which steps should you take in the process? The guide answers all these questions. Practical examples are also given. A useful document for every school participation council.