Parents across Moray insist they should be at the heart of monitoring a new way of providing additional support in the region’s schools.
The local authority is currently running a consultation about a fresh strategy for pupils who need extra help in the classroom.
Draft proposals published by the council reveal eight areas education staff focus on in order to meet the needs of children including, clear communication with families, appropriate environments and equal resources.
Last night, Birnie mum Gillian Groves said elements of the proposals looked “fantastic” but was eager to see them followed through on to help her six-year-old son Tom, who has cerebral palsy.
She said: “I like the way they are trying to make it totally centred on the child because that’s the most important thing. I’m going to be looking to make sure parents are involved too though.
“Working groups are going to be set up to monitor the implementation of what’s being proposed. It’s really important parents and teachers are part of that process. Hopefully there’ll be an opportunity to join.
“Parents of children with additional support needs want to be consulted on every step of the way.”
The proposed strategy will be discussed at a meeting of the Moray Parent and Carers Support Group next week, which Mrs Groves has helped establish.
About 28% of Moray school pupils currently require an element of additional support while in school. The local authority spends £7.5million a year meeting their needs.
Elgin mum Lorna Spink, whose daughter Brooklyn has complex epilepsy, is also eager to see parents take an active part in the new system.
She said: “It seems like there are some good points but we shall see how much participation there is with parents and carers.
“It sounds great at the moment. We just want to make sure we don’t hear about changes at school last minute once they are done and dusted.”
Moray Council’s draft strategy has been published following extensive consultation with parents and teachers.
Officials will examine responses to the proposals before a final document is submitted to the authority’s children and young people’s committee for approval.
The consultation runs until Monday, May 8. The draft strategy can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7HVJYC2
