PARENTS in Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to make the most of social media channels which are being set up to support the area’s council-run schools.

The authority’s policy lead for education has reported that officers have been exploring ways to improve the reach of schools in the region.

Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) has also reported positive visits to two island schools which have recently taken place.

The details feature in a report which will go before the full council at its meeting on Thursday, November 21.

Cllr Forrest said: “Education have been developing the social media reach of the service. They already have X (Twitter) and Instagram accounts and are currently developing a Facebook page.

“Many individual schools have their own pages which are invaluable in getting information to parents, carers and the public about what is happening in their schools. If you use social media and haven’t looked for your local schools, have a look.

“There is one school where one of the parents uses their FB page to put live comments up during parent council meetings making another channel to enable parents to be engaged – they already provide a Zoom option.

“We are developing our communications with video content from education managers in many settings and are planning updates to elected members using some of these channels in the New Year.”

She added: “I have continued school visits and have most recently been to Islay and Bute. Both days were interesting and it is really good to see the diversity of our schools and our children and young people.

“We were treated to a song or two in St Andrew’s School on Bute as the children were preparing for a Harvest event. We also had a young man give us a run through of how to produce a crop from start to the finished product!”