Parents and Parent Groups
As a registered charity and membership organisation, Connect helps parents, carers and parent groups to be involved and engaged in children's learning and school lives in ways that work for them. We believe that parents need to be welcomed into, and supported by, their school community so that children can thrive, learn and succeed.
Parental involvement and engagement can mean understanding Scottish education, knowing where to find help and support, finding out about children's learning in school or being clear about parents' and children's rights.
For some parents, it can mean volunteering, either helping in school, sharing skills and experience, or being part of a parent-run group such as a Parent Council or Parent Teacher/Staff Association which can be rewarding and fun.
There are many positives about feeling part of the school community - getting to know school staff and other families, supporting the school or early learning centre in practical ways, learning more about the school and Scottish education, learning new skills and helping to build a sense of school community.
We offer resources and information to help with all of these!
Connect Membership
Any parent group, club or individual can join Connect, and there are lots of good reasons to do so!
Membership of Connect gives you, your Parent Council, PTA or other parent-run groups, and other parents and staff at your school many benefits.
News
Read the latest news from Connect and from the world of Scottish education. You will also find blogs, education policy updates, information on Connect's parent/carer surveys and consultations and much more here.
News
15th Sep 2026Connect's Parent/Carer Survey on Mobile Phones in Schools and More is out now!
Parents and carers are warmly invited to take part on Connect's survey
Policy
15th Sep 2026Scottish Government's Programme for Government 2026-2031
Read Connect's summary of the Scottish Government's plans for education set out in its Programme for Government 26-31
Resource
Events
Sign up for exclusive online Information Sessions for Connect Members here and also find out more about our open-to-all events for parents and carers.
Event
Connect Members - Making School Affordable for Every Family: CPAG Scotland: 22 Sept, Online
In partnership with Child Poverty Action Group Scotland (CPAG), Connect is hosting a virtual event to discuss school-related costs
Event
Open to all - Discovering Careers in the Screen Industries with Into Film: 23 Sept, Online
Parents and carers are warmly invited to sign up for this live online Information Session to find out more about careers in this sector
Event
Connect Members - Role of the Chair for Parent Groups: 29 September, Online
Chairs or would-be chairs, please join this 'bitesize' session! Shorter and with more time for questions, we'll cover the essentials for chairing a parent group
Newsletter
Sign up to our eNewsletters to receive regular updates on Connect and other news about education and parent engagement in children's school lives and their learning.
Parents' Voice
We regularly seek your views so that we can reflect those views to policy-makers and in our consultation responses. Please join our Parents' Voice survey group - we need you!
