Abstract:

One of the basic principles of a school is participation by the families, both on an individual basis as well as in groups (the latter embodied in Parents’ Associations - AMPA in its Spanish acronym).
The research presented here has been undertaken by the City of Vitoria-Gasteiz Council (in the Basque Country, north of Spain) within the remit of the project known as “The Development of Vitoria-Gasteiz as an Educating City".
In collaboration with the Department of Education of the City Council a study of the functioning of the Parents’ Associations has been undertaken and its participation in extramural activities and educational services in the schools in the city.
With the results thereof, the Department of Education aims to provide a response to the needs detected and to contribute to Vitoria-Gasteiz to further develop as an Educating City. Through questionnaires, discussion groups and interviews, and with the participation of all the Primary and Secondary Education schools in the city, the low participation has been detected as one of the greatest problems confronting Parents’ Associations. Other problems perceived are the difficulties arising in relations with- government bodies and the lack of space.

Keywords:

Educating Cities, Parents’ Associations, Extramural activities, Educational services, Local bodies.