14/11/07

Parents of children in Gaelic medium education in the Western Isles are being invited to put forward their own proposals for local schooling. Comann nam Pàrant is holding a series of meetings across the islands to gather parents’ views on how Gaelic medium education should be strengthened for the future.

Since Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) announced a review of all schools, many families have voiced concerns about the possible impact on Gaelic medium education. Comann nam Pàrant and Bòrd na Gàidhlig expect to be formally invited to respond to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's public consultation on the schools review process.

Comann nam Pàrant wants to secure the best possible outcome for children educated through Gaelic. These meetings will offer all current and prospective parents a chance to put forward their ideas and proposals. As the Comhairle undertakes its own review, parents will be prepared and can contribute to the consultation on the basis of a locally developed and agreed way forward for Gaelic medium education.

The meeting details are:

Place	Date – all from 7.30 to 9 pm	Venue
Barra	Thursday 22 November 2007	Barra Learning Centre
Ness	Wednesday 28 November 2007	Ness Learning Centre
Shawbost	Thursday 29 November 2007	Shawbost Old School
Harris	Monday 3 December 2007	Tarbert Community Centre
Point	Tuesday 4 December 2007	Tiumpanhead Community Centre
Back	Wednesday 12 December 2007	Coll Centre
Breasclete	Thursday 13 December 2007	Breasclete Community Centre
Lochs	Wednesday 9 January 2008	Balallan Hall
Stornoway	Thursday 10 January 2008	Stornoway Town Hall
South Uist	Monday 14 January 2008	Kildonan Museum
North Uist	Tuesday 15 January 2008	Carinish Hall
Benbecula	Wednesday 16 January 2008	Benbecula Learning Centre

 

“The changes that may be introduced by the Comhairle are likely to be the biggest for a generation, and the implications for Gaelic medium education could be highly significant” said Magaidh Wentworth, the national Parental Officer. “This is an ideal opportunity to enhance how Gaelic medium education is delivered and secure its future; a chance that may not present itself again for many years”.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig is supporting this exercise.

“The Comhairle has recently restated its belief that parental demand is central to how it develops services. So we are keen to support this process that will assist parents to consider their options and help them to present their collective views to the Comhairle”,

said Rosemary Ward, Education Manager for the Bòrd.

For further details please contact Magaidh Wentworth on 01463 234 138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.