The Scottish Executive wants them to take part in considering such questions as whether children are being pushed into education at too young an age and whether the structure of the school day should be changed with the introduction of out-of-school clubs.
Launching the National Debate on Education last week, minister for education and young people Cathy Jamieson said, 'I've said many times that there is much to be proud of in Scottish schools. But society is constantly changing and we must look at what will be best for children and young people in ten or 15 years' time. Now is the time for people to seize this opportunity and make their voices heard.'
Briefing packs are being sent to every local authority and school in Scotland and organisations that have expressed an interest. The packs include suggestions to start discussion, a feedback form and general facts about education in Scotland and other countries.
Some practitioners have already expressed how they would like to see the debate take shape. Carol Ball, chair of Unison Scotland's nursery nurse working party, told Nursery World that she would like the role of classroom assistants to be on the agenda. She said, 'At the moment there is no ready career progression for classroom assistants and we would like them to have a proper career structure that links with nursery nurses. We would like to see something like the European model, where there is a generic qualification and then people specialise. Of course, we also want classrooms assistants and childcarers' work recognised by better pay and an end to term-time working so classroom assistants are recognised as full-time employed professionals.'
Professor of child psychology at the University of Edinburgh Colwyn Trevarthen said, 'Curriculum and assessment should be cut down, because I would like children to have much more of a say on what they learn and how they learn it rather than adapt to what is set for them.
'A principle well known for three centuries is that children are the generators of their own learning. It should be a debate between teachers and childcarers who know how children learn and parents, rather than a diktat from a distance.'
Scottish Childminding Association national development officer Maggie Simpson said she expected many childminders would contribute to the debate. 'Most childminders are parents too, and they are often active in the local community so I'm sure they will be keen to take part.'
However, others have been more sceptical. Judith Gillespie, development manager for the Scottish Parent-Teacher Council, told the Sunday Herald newspaper that it was unrealistic to consult on such a wide range of topics. 'When you consult with such a wide range of people on diverse subjects, the Government is not going to be able to say yes to everything. But people don't like being asked and then not having their views taken up.'
To obtain a briefing pack ring the National Debate on 08457 581 750, or download from www.scotland.gov.uk/nationaldebate.