​A Scottish parent forum and a children's charity have announced a new partnership

A national forum which aims to bring together Scotland’s parent councils and parents is expanding with the help of one of the country’s biggest children’s charities.

The National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) will this month move into Children in Scotland’s offices in Edinburgh’s Shandwick Place and appoint a full-time policy officer and an administrator.

Our new partnership with Children in Scotland will open doors and enable us to strengthen our ability to work with organisations, children and their families at grass roots across the country

Formed in 2009 the forum is made up of a volunteer leadership team and representatives from each of the country’s 32 local authority areas who all work to strengthen parental involvement with children’s education.

Iain Ellis, chair of the NPFS said: “Our new partnership with Children in Scotland will open doors and enable us to strengthen our ability to work with organisations, children and their families at grass roots across the country.

“This builds on the partnerships we have already developed with Scottish Government, Education Scotland and local authorities. We firmly believe that with greater understanding and working together we can get the best for all children. “

The move comes after the forum reported demand on the parent volunteers’ time and contribution had risen sharply, particularly as a result of their work to represent parents’ views during implementation of Curriculum for Excellence.

Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland, said: “Like the National Parent Forum Scotland, we are deeply committed to strengthening the capacity and capability of every child and recognise the vital role that parents play in this.

“I am confident that our new partnership will be complementary and fruitful, and contribute to an even stronger voice for parents across Scotland.”