Frequently Asked Questions

Do governing bodies have to hold an annual parents meeting?

The governing body must by law, write a report to and hold a meeting with parents once a year. However, if the school is established in a hospital or is a maintained boarding school where 50% or more of the pupils are boarders, the governing body can decide that it is not practical to hold an annual parents meeting. There are also other exemptions to the requirement to hold an annual parents meeting which apply for one year only, for example:

1. if a parents’ meeting has been held after a school inspection, to discuss the inspector’s report prior to the governing body producing its action plan:
2. if the governing body has held a meeting or meetings where all parents have been invited and which has been attended by three or more governors;
3. if fewer than 5% of parents respond to a notice sent out accompanying the annual report asking parents if they wish the governing body to hold the annual meeting. Further information can be found in The Annual Parents’ Meeting (Exemptions) (Wales) Regulations 2005.