Parents’ association: what is it?
What is a parents’ association?
A parents’ association (APE) is an association under the law of 1901. It requires it to be made known to the school with which it wishes to act. The association is made up of the parents of the students and voluntary legal representatives. Its aim is to defend the moral and material interests of students to provide them with a quality educational life. The parents’ association and the contact details of the persons in charge are on the list of associations posted in the school. There are major parents’ federations such as the Federation of Parents’ Councils (FCPE), the Federation of Parents of Students in Public Education (PEEP) and the National Union of Autonomous Parents’ Associations (UNAAPE).
To what extent does it intervene?
The parents’ association may be present at different events depending on the school level with which it intervenes. His interventions are made possible thanks to the representatives of the parents of the students.
Parents’ representatives may be present at the school council at the elementary level. In secondary schools, the association can be present at the boards of directors and class councils. It is also possible that she will be present at the Higher Council of Education (CSE) as well as at the courses of academic and departmental councils organized by the National Education (CAEN).
What means are at its disposal?
The association has access to the contact details of the parents of students in the school in which it intervenes who have given their authorization. She can use a notice board accessible to other parents to communicate the various events and mentions discussed by the association. She also has the right to other material means such as a mailbox or to receive computer equipment that is more used by the State.
The school may, in addition, make available to the parents’ association premises available during or outside the school period. It will be able to use this room to hold its various meetings throughout the school year. On the other hand, the parents’ association cannot register the premises as the head office of its organisation.
What are its missions?
School insurance
The parents’ association is the only actor able to offer parents the option of subscribing to school insurance. This is mandatory if they want their children to be able to participate in the optional activities organized by the school.
Informing parents
The main mission of the parents’ association is to inform parents of the school’s school life. To this end, it organises meetings and distributes informative material to parents, with the agreement of the head of the school. Content and distribution conditions apply to the transmission of documents. The information disseminated must obey the principle of secularism, be refrained from any insult, propaganda or defamation, and respect privacy. Any distribution of documentation is done with the agreement of the head of the school and the school staff generally leads the distribution among the students.
Meeting and service organization
The meetings held by the APE are information meetings for parents. It is also possible for the associative organization to offer various services for children such as school support. The use of school premises made available for meetings or activities does not require informing the municipal staff. However, it is recommended to communicate any use of the premises outside the training period. The mayor must also promulgate his authorization for the organization of all various activities (cultural, sports, etc.). The latter is able to grant it after consulting the owner of the premises, the school council, the board of directors or the local authority.
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