Parents fail to give full marks

More than 2,100 parents from 66 schools gave their views in the council-led questionnaire on education provision in the city.

The majority of responses - 77 per cent - came from parents of primary school children. The survey reveals that 95 per cent of parents believe their child enjoys learning, with 94 per cent saying their child feels safe at school and the same amount saying they are happy overall.

However, education bosses are concerned that a quarter of parents feel that their child's school does not have the resources to deliver a "high-quality education" to pupils.

Only 66 per cent of parents agree that schools in the Capital are sufficiently resourced.

Elaine Ritch, chair of Leith Primary's parent council, said: "I absolutely agree with the quarter of parents, I do not think that schools are properly resourced and the small resources we do have are continually under pressure." One in five of the parents surveyed also feels that their child does not benefit from school clubs and activities provided outside the classroom.

Parental involvement is also said to be a "significant area of concern" to education chiefs, with 20 per cent of parents believing that their views are not listened to or taken into account. A working group that includes parent representatives has now been set up to review the parental involvement strategy.

Frank Bergeret, co-chairman of the parent council at Bruntsfield Primary, said he was concerned about further cuts as there is no room left for manoeuvre, but believes the council has been listening to parents' concerns more this year than last year.

He said: "Resources in school at the moment are okay but there's no more room for cuts."

City education leader Marilyne MacLaren said: "It's a priority of ours to listen to what local people have to say about Edinburgh's schools and I'm delighted the response has been so positive."

what they said

My child enjoys learning at school (95%)

My child feels safe at school (94%)

Overall, I am happy with the school (94%)

My child is treated fairly at school (92%)

The school helps my child to be more confident (92%)

The school sets suitable targets for my child's learning (90%)

My child's learning is progressing well in relation to these targets (88%)

The school is well led (88%)

I feel staff really know my child as an individual and support them well (87%)

The school keeps me well informed about my child's progress (83%)

The school asks for my views (75%)

My child benefits from school clubs and activities provided outside the classroom (71%)

There is a high standard of education in City of Edinburgh Council schools (70%)

My school has the resources it requires to deliver a high-quality education to its pupils (66%)

The school takes my views into account (66%)

Different services (eg social services, health services) work together effectively with the school to help children and families (57%)