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Sometimes the school wants to change something, like the school hours or the care. Sometimes all parents must first be able to give their opinion. That is called a parent consultation. Are you a member of the school participation council? Then it is good to know how this works. When must parents give their opinion? How do you do it well? And what can you do with the results?
What is a parent consultation?
A parent consultation is a way to ask parents for their opinion about an important decision at school. It is not a talk with one parent or a small group, but a question to all parents of the school.
According to the law, some decisions can only be made after parents have given their opinion. The goal is to make sure parents really have a say about topics that matter to them.
When a parent consultation is required
A parent consultation is required in some cases. For example, if the school changes something that affects parents and children a lot. Think of:
- Changing the school hours, like moving to a continuous schedule.
- Changes in the holiday schedule.
- Starting, stopping, or changing the after-school care.
- A merger with another school.
- Closing the school or transferring it to another organization.
- Changing the foundation of the school (for example, from public to special education).
In these cases, the school participation council can only decide after parents have had the chance to give their opinion.
Asking parents for their opinions
Even if it is not required, the school participation council can always ask parents for their opinion. This is often a good idea. If you know what parents think, the council can make better choices. Think about topics like safety, parent contributions, or communication at school.
You can ask parents for their opinion with a short online questionnaire, an informal meeting, or a moment during the parent evening.
It can sometimes be hard to keep parents informed. How do you start the conversation? How do you make sure parents find you?
How to run a parent consultation
The law does not say exactly how to do a parent consultation. The school and the school participation council can decide together. It is important that all parents get a chance to give their opinion. Only a newsletter or message is not enough. There must really be space to give an opinion.
You can do this like this:
- An online questionnaire or survey.
- Invite parents to send their opinion by email.
- A parent evening about the topic.
What you choose depends on what fits the school and the topic. The main thing is that parents know what it is about, they can respond, and it is clear what happens with their opinion.
Who is responsible for the parent consultation
The law does not say who exactly must run the parent consultation. The school and the school participation council decide together. They usually do this in consultation. Discuss who makes the questions, how parents are contacted, and who processes the answers.
It is good to make agreements with the school leader beforehand. This way you avoid confusion and make sure the consultation really has influence on the decision.
Following up on the results
The results of a parent consultation are not binding. That means the school or the school participation council does not have to do exactly what most parents say.
Still, it is important to take the results seriously. Parents take time to give their opinion and expect something to happen with it. Agree in advance how the input is processed. This creates clarity and trust.
Questions or personal advice?
Do you have questions about this topic, would you like advice regarding your situation, or just a listening ear? Then please contact us via 088-6050101, email vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or WhatsApp ons.
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