Comann nam Pàrant
Comann nam Pàrant (CnP), which means "Parents' Organisation", consists of a network of around 30 local groups, representing the interests of parents whose children are educated through the medium of Gaelic at the various levels, from pre-school to secondary level. The main aim of all CnP groups is "to promote and support the establishment and maintenance of education through the medium of Gaelic". It was as a result of the efforts of parents that Gaelic medium education (GME) first began in 1985. Continued parental support will be necessary to ensure further progress in this system of education.
The best evidence we have that this method of teaching is successful is that more and more parents are now requesting it. Parents desire it because they see that it works.
The aim of Gaelic medium education, through the Government's national guidelines, is to take children to the same level of fluency in Gaelic and English by the time they leave primary school. The system of education is open to all children and is available in 62 primary schools throughout Scotland. Efforts are being made to extend GME to secondary level in line with the growth of Gaelic medium pre-school and primary education. Most of the children in GME come from homes where neither parent speaks Gaelic.
CnP at Local Level
Local CnP groups are considered very important for a number of reasons:
- They bring parents whose children are being educated through the medium of Gaelic together to discuss issues which affect the education of their children at all levels
- A CnP group can act as a good support mechanism for the school providing Gaelic medium education, working in conjunction with PTAs and School Boards
- Office bearers of a CnP committee can speak on behalf of all parents with authority. Councils, schools, etc. appreciate dealing with parental representatives rather than many individuals
- Being constituted community groups, they can attract funding that a school cannot
- Parents with children in Gaelic medium education can promote GME within their own localities
- They endeavour to support extra curricular Gaelic medium activities, including the work of the Gaelic youth clubs, Sradagan
CnP at National Level
The umbrella body, Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta), was set up by Comunn na Gàidhlig in 1994 as a direct response to parental request. All areas with local CnP groups are able to be represented on the national committee, thus ensuring that all parents can have a voice at national level. The organisation seeks to present the parental viewpoint to the Government and to liaise with Gaelic development bodies and Local Authorities in their efforts to fulfil the primary aim "to advance education through the medium of Gaelic". A National Parental Officer, funded by the Government, is employed by Comunn na Gàidhlig to support parents and promote Gaelic medium education. Comunn na Gàidhlig assist with running costs for the CnP(N) Committee.
CnP(N) is now a well-established group, with its voice often heard at Government level. The committee meets, on average, four times a year in different locations throughout Scotland. An AGM is held in March and all parents are invited to attend. New faces are always welcome.
Current Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta) Committee Members
Dawn Morgan – Inverness (chairperson)
Fiona Byrne - Lochaber; Fort William (vice-chair)
Mary Galbraith - Clyde & South West Scotland
Marsaili Dow- Clyde & South West Scotland
Lorna Mcdiarmid - Skye
Sandy Nicholson - Lothians
Morag Moock - Central Scotland
Joanie Garvin- Argyll & the Islands
Catherine MacNeil - Barra
Fiona MacLeod - Easter Ross
Colin Meek - North West Ross, North & West Sutherland
Fiona Duncan – Lochaber - Rural
How do I get involved in CnP?
Most areas with Gaelic medium education provision have a local Comann nam Pàrant Committee. CnP groups are open to all parents with children in GME, at any level from pre-school to secondary, and parents are encouraged to attend CnP general meetings. If you would like to get in touch with your local CnP representative, please contact the Parental Officer who will provide names and details.
If you wish to establish a CnP group in your area, the procedure is quite straightforward. The Parental Officer will met with you, talk you through the CnP Constitution, explain what a CnP group can do in a community and answer any questions you may have on the matter, and then it is up to you whether you put pen to paper and become a group member of the national CnP network. Contact the Parental Officer if you wish to establish a new group.