Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Fairfield School
Governors: Guidance on
Policy and Documents
2016
TITLE Governors: Guidance on Policy and
Documents
VERSION 2
DATE September 2016
AUTHOR R Robinson
APPROVED BY HEAD TEACHER 26.9.16
APPROVED BY GOVERING BODY Draft
NEXT REVIEW DATE September 2019
Web: http://business.solutions.kirklees.gov.uk email: [email protected]
Guidance for Governors on School Policies and Documents
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Explanation of the Policy Tables
5 Information to be published Online
6 Statutory Policies / Documents
13 Other Statutory Documents
21 Non-Statutory Policies and Documents
26 Appendix A Model Policy Pro Forma
27 Appendix B Model Policy Review Chart
28 Appendix C Topics for Discussion by a Governing Body
1
Introduction
Formulating and revising policies is a key aspect of school governance and provides the strategic framework for promoting high standards of educational achievement. This document provides guidance for school governors on the statutory policies and documents which governing bodies are required to have by law, and those which are non-statutory (optional). The school leadership team will have additional non-statutory policies relating to the day to day management of the school which the governing body may review and update at regular intervals. What is a Policy? Policies are intended to guide the work of the Headteacher and staff and to provide the framework for the smooth day-to-day functioning of the school. Policies should reflect the school’s values, visions and aims and sit firmly within the strategic remit of the governing body. They are concerned with key processes within the school and provide a means of ensuring that agreed values underpin day-to-day decisions and actions in the school. Policies should therefore be based on a shared understanding of:
Why the school exists (its mission)
What it believes in (its values)
What it is trying to achieve (its vision)
What it is going to do to make this a reality (its aims)
The underpinning rules that will guide action (principles)
The practicalities of implementation (policies and procedures)
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a policy and a procedure? Policies are statements of what is required in broad terms and relate to major operational issues; procedures are more detailed, step by step descriptions of required actions, relating to how particular processes should be carried out. Q: Who should review policies? Usually the job of reviewing a policy would fall to a committee of the governing body, and this should be reflected in the committee’s terms of reference. Once a committee has agreed a policy it should then be recommended to the full governing body for approval. Many of the policies in school e.g. policies on individual subjects in the curriculum are usually developed and reviewed by the Headteacher and staff. Q: Does the full governing body have to approve all policies? Unless specifically delegated to a committee, the governing body should approve all the statutory policies and any others that affect the strategic direction of the school. Other policies e.g. those to do with specific areas of the curriculum, would normally be presented to the appropriate committee, agreed by them and reported to the full governing body. Q: Do all policies have to be in the same format? The short answer is no but a consistent format will make them more accessible to everyone. This does not have to be done all at one time, but perhaps as each is reviewed. Q: How do we go about reviewing policies? The full governing body should establish a system of regular reporting by whoever is responsible for implementing the policy in question. Some policies come up for review in the course of the annual cycle of the school development plan and budget. Others may need reviewing as a result of statutory changes. When reading about developments in education e.g. in newsletters or other sources, governors and clerks should be mindful of the possible impact on the currency of school policies. In reviewing a policy, the full governing body or relevant committee should consider whom, apart from the head, it should consult before reaching a decision. It is good practice for those involved in writing a policy to be consulted when it is subsequently reviewed. Q: Its difficult keeping track of which policies need reviewing and when! Any suggestions? One suggestion would be to split your list of policies for review into terms and have a rolling programme of policies to be reviewed each term. Consider the minimum review period for each policy and plan this into the review cycle.
3
Q: Why doesn’t the Council provide us with model policies for all the ones we need to have? The LA does provide many model policies for schools to adopt where appropriate. However ‘off the peg’ policies that can be rubber stamped and filed away are not ideal because the governing body must take ownership of what the policies say and understand the implications of implementing them. The discussion involved in the development of a policy is valuable and can bring up other factors that need to be addressed and included. Each school is individual and it is important to tailor policies to your school. Q: The list of policies always seems to get longer and longer. Can we ever dispense with policies? As part of the review process governors should take an overview and consider whether there is a continuing need for some non-statutory optional policies. Questioning the need for a policy should form part of the review process. Further Information Please contact the School Governor Service if you have any questions regarding any aspect of policy making in your school.
4
Explanation of the Policy Tables School Type This section identifies the categories of school which require each policy.
Schools maintained by Kirklees, including Community, Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled and Trust schools Public funded independent schools which receive funding direct from the Department for Education (DfE) Schools which have been set up by an independent organisation using DfE funding
A Pupil Referral Unit maintained by Kirklees
Review Period The minimum policy review period as recommended by the DfE is given for each policy. Where there is a Kirklees recommendation, this has also been included. Recent changes to legislation have given governing bodies’ greater freedom in setting the review period for policies. Best practice would be every one to three years unless otherwise dictated by the full governing body or by changes in legislation. Legislation Links are provided to the original legislation which sets out the statutory requirements. Links to Model Policy or Further Information This section provides information about model policies which are available in Kirklees Local Authority (LA) or nationally. The relevant Kirklees department or contact is given for use when further information is required.
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
5
Information to be Published Online The following information is the minimum required to be published on the school website as a result of changes to the School Information (England) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/3093). The legislation applies to maintained schools, new funding agreements will require academies and free schools to publish this information, however previous versions of the funding agreement may not have this requirement. Information Details
Pupil Premium Details of the school’s pupil premium allocation and plans to spend it
in the current year; and, for the previous year, a statement of how the
money was spent and the impact that it had on educational attainment
of those pupils at the school in respect of whom grant funding was
allocated
Curriculum
(Replaces Curriculum Policy)
Details of the school’s curriculum, content and approach, by academic year and by subject (including details of GCSE options and other qualifications offered at Key Stage 4 (for secondary schools), and approach to phonic and reading schemes (for primary schools)
Admissions Where applicable, details or links to the school’s admission arrangements, including its selection and oversubscription criteria, published admission number and the school’s process for applications through the local authority
Policies Details of the school’s policies on behaviour, charging and SEN and disability provision
Performance Links to the school’s Ofsted reports and DfE School Performance Tables and details of the school’s latest Key Stage 2 and/or Key Stage 4 attainment and progress measures as presented in the School Performance Tables
Ethos A statement of the school’s ethos and values
6
Source: DfE website: goo.gl/uu7eG4
Statutory Policies
Statutory Policy
School Type Review Period
Approval and Delegation
Legislation Link to Model Policy or Further
Information
Admissions arrangements
At least every 7 years
Full governing body or a committee of the governing body where the school is an admissions authority
Applies to voluntary aided schools and foundation schools directly and to community and voluntary controlled schools if the local authority formally delegates the responsibility. Legislation: Section 88C of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the School Admissions Regulations 2012. http://goo.gl/ZiH8Cr
LA contact: Kirklees School Admissions team Tel: 01484 225007
School Behaviour Policy
Determined by headteacher
Headteacher Legislation: Maintained schools - Education and Inspection Act 2006: Section 89. http://goo.gl/jb9GLW Academies, free schools and independent schools - Independent School Standards Regulations (Schedule 1 part 3 paragraph 9).
LA contact: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000
Maintained
Academy
Free school
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
7
http://goo.gl/rSHcko
Behaviour principles: written statement
Determined by governing body
Full governing body or a committee of the governing body
Legislation: Education and Inspections Act 2006: Section 88. http://goo.gl/bWvKFx
LA contact: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000
Behaviour principles written policy
Determined by proprietor
Proprietor required to ensure that there is a written policy
Legislation: The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010. http://goo.gl/XoNvW6 2013 amendment (SI 2012/2962): http://goo.gl/32QuhT
LA contact: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000
Charging and remissions policies
Determined by governing body
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: Maintained schools - Education Act 1996, section 457. Education (School Sessions and Charges and Remissions Policies) (Information) (England) Regulations 1999. The School Information (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012. http://goo.gl/X2NhZP
LA contact: Angela Farmer, Finance Tel: 01484 221000 DfE guidance
Maintained
Academy
Free school
Maintained
PRU
Academy
Free school
8
http://goo.gl/8PBFpV
Data protection policy
Every 2 years All schools must register annually as ‘Data Controllers’ with the Information Commissioner’s Office
Governing body free to determine how to implement
Legislation: The Data Protection Act 1998: (with consideration to the eight data protection principles appearing in Schedule 1). http://goo.gl/mWM0u
DfE http://bit.ly/xUofG5 ICO http://bit.ly/9U6w0X LA contact: Lindsay Foody, Information Access Officer Tel: 01484 221000
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Varies; please see guidance
Governing body free to determine
Those delivering the EYFS are required to have policies and procedures on a range of issues covering learning and development, safeguarding and welfare. These are set out in detail in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Schools are not required to have separate policies to cover EYFS requirements where they are already met through an existing policy. An EYFS Profile assessment is required for each child during the academic year they reach the age of five (for most children this is the reception year in primary school) and nursery settings catering for children under three must complete a summary check when a child
LA contact: Kirklees Early Learning and Childcare Tel: 01484 225735
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
Maintained
Academy
Free school
9
is aged two. Statutory Framework for EYFS: http://goo.gl/6EDGZ
Equality information and objectives publication (Public Sector Equality Duty)
(Applies to Local Authorities on behalf of PRUs)
Every 4 years and publish information annually
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the headteacher
Legislation: The Equality Act 2010 and The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011. http://goo.gl/cHcN http://goo.gl/Dy5hBA Under specific duties governing bodies, local authorities and proprietors are required to draw up equality objectives every four years and annually publish information demonstrating how they are meeting the aims of the general public sector equality duty.
LA contacts: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000 Kirklees model single equalities policy available on request
Health and Safety Policy and Risk Assessments
Determined by governing body or local authority
Employer free to determine how to implement
Legislation: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Sections 2(3), 3 and 4. http://goo.gl/6ChWes Risk Assessments: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: SI 1999/3242.The 1999
LA contacts: Patrick McCann (policy) Tel: 01484 226437 Ian Kirby (risk assessments)
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
Maintained
Academy
Free school
10
(Applies to local authorities on behalf of community and voluntary controlled schools)
Regulations impose a duty on employers to produce a risk assessment. http://goo.gl/0zxPiY
Tel: 01484 416898
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures (also known as Child Protection policy)
Annually Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Statutory Guidance: Keeping Children Safe in Education http://goo.gl/ehmHUw
Kirklees model policy http://goo.gl/BiJ7HC LA contact: Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board Tel: 01484 225161
Sex education policy
(except maintained
Determined by governing body
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the
Legislation: Maintained Schools - The Education Act 1996: Section 404 http://goo.gl/fqQIp9
LA contact: Val Flintoff Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 225828 All Kirklees schools have been sent a model policy as part of the PSHE Toolkit
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
Maintained
Academy
Free school
11
nursery schools)
head teacher Academies and Free Schools – Funding Agreement requires these schools to have regard to DfE guidance on Sex and Relationship Education. http://goo.gl/jbrTHF
Special educational needs policy SEN Information Report
Policy -Determined by governing body SEN Information Report updated as soon as possible after changes occur and at least annually
Full governing body
Legislation: The Children and Families Act: Section
69 goo.gl/k15INF
and The Special Educational Needs and
Disability Regulations 2014
http://goo.gl/uNaNRU
Also see The 0-25 Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice http://goo.gl/VoDwmR
LA contacts: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000 The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014
Maintained
Academy
Free school
12
Supporting pupils with medical conditions
Determined by governing body
Full governing body
Statutory guidance: Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions http://goo.gl/VK2yIw Legislation: Children and Families Act 2014 section 100 http://goo.gl/LxoeRw
LA contacts: Mandy Cameron Kirklees Learning Service Tel: 01484 221000
Teacher Appraisal and Capability policy Formerly: Performance Management Policy
DfE guidance: Determined by Governing Body Kirklees guidance: Annually
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body or an individual governor
Legislation: The Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012. http://goo.gl/dhiUUI as subsequently amended: http://goo.gl/CGN0q2 http://goo.gl/PTnVAH The School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009. http://goo.gl/Ki7rhI as subsequently amended: http://goo.gl/lfQfMM
LA Contacts: Kirklees Learning Service Janet Bolton Tel: 01484 414708 or Diane MacBrairdy Tel: 01484 225828 Guidance on One Hub http://goo.gl/5fUOmc
Teachers’ pay policy
DfE guidance: Determined
Governing body free to delegate to a
Legislation: The Education Act 2002 section 122
School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document 2014
Maintained
Maintained
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
13
by governing body Kirklees guidance: Annually
committee of the governing body or the head teacher
http://goo.gl/fFMOgK
http://goo.gl/eh62gZ LA contact: Helen Moriarty Tel: 01484 225202 Model pay policy http://goo.gl/MUsCa Contact: Diane MacBrairdy Tel: 01484 225183
Other Statutory Documents
Statutory Document
School Type Review Period
Approval and
Delegation
Legislation Link to Model Policy or Further Information
Accessibility plan
3 years Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: Equality Act 2010: Schedule 10, Paragraph 3. http://goo.gl/JWl1om
Mandy Cameron Tel: 01484 221000 Kirklees Learning Service
Maintained
Free school
Academy
PRU
14
Central record of recruitment and vetting checks
Live document covering staff currently employed
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: Maintained schools – The School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009. Academies and Free Schools - Independent School Standards Regulations 2010 http://goo.gl/Ki7rhI
LA contact: Debbie Dolan Tel: 01484 414708 All schools are required to maintain a Single Central Record of Recruitment and Vetting Checks made on staff and other relevant individuals. The record must show when the checks were made and by whom, including identity, qualification requirements, List 99 and DBS checks
Complaints procedure
Determined by governing body
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: Maintained schools - The Education Act 2002: Section 29. Academies, Free Schools and Independent schools - The Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations 2010. Non-maintained Special Schools - The Education (Non-maintained Special Schools) Regulations 2011. http://goo.gl/AnKpzs
LA contact: Diane MacBrairdy Tel: 01484 225828 Kirklees Learning Service
Maintained
Maintained
Academy
Free school
Free school
Academy
PRU
15
Freedom of information publication scheme
Determined by governing body
Governing body free to determine how to implement
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a right of access to information held by public bodies, including schools (Schedule 1, Part IV), who must comply with the Act and produce a Publication Scheme (Section 19). Legislation: The Freedom of Information Act 2000: Section 19. http://goo.gl/UcfAf
Standard Publication Scheme should be adopted by all schools. Guidance is available at: http://goo.gl/sF3TQQ Extensive guidance on dealing with FoI requests is also provided on the same site at:
http://goo.gl/Q7ts01 LA contact: Lindsay Foody, Information Access Officer Tel: 01484 221000
Governors’ allowances (schemes for paying)
DfE guidance: Determined by governing body Kirklees guidance: Annually
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013 http://goo.gl/raBXd0
LA contact: School Governor Service Tel:01484 22 5010/11/12
Maintained
Free school
Academy
Maintained
16
Home-school agreement
(Except maintained nursery schools)
Determined by governing body
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Legislation: The School Standards and Framework Act 1998: Sections 110 and 111. http://goo.gl/JEvZxd
Statutory guidance from DfE: http://goo.gl/jrUIy0
Instrument of government
Determined by governing body Updated when a change to the number and/or type of governors is required
Full governing body
Legislation: The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007: SI 2007/957. http://goo.gl/dHBSqe School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012: SI 2012/1034. http://goo.gl/dHBSqe http://goo.gl/3o2qcD
LA contact: Amerjit Sahota School Governor Service Tel: 01484 414701
Maintained
Academy
Free school
Maintained
17
Minutes of, and papers considered at, meetings of the governing body and its committees
On-going (Minutes must be retained indefinitely)
Full governing body or a committee of the governing body as appropriate
Legislation: Maintained schools School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013 http://goo.gl/raBXd0 Academies and Free Schools - through Articles of Association. http://goo.gl/8SEfH5 The Clerk must ensure that GB minutes are drawn up and signed (subject to the approval of the Governing Body) by the chair at the next meeting. Approved minutes must be made available for public inspection. The Governing Body may decide to make certain items confidential if appropriate
LA contact: Amerjit Sahota School Governor Service Tel: 01484 414701 (for schools using Kirklees School Governor Clerking Service)
Premises management
Various regulations, see http://goo.gl/zgsjCl
Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or
For a comprehensive overview of the legislation and compliance requirements, please see Compliance Monitoring for Council Buildings: http://goo.gl/zgsjCl which sets out the responsibilities for employers and duty holders.
Academies, free schools and trust schools have sole responsibility. For maintained schools, both local authorities and schools have responsibilities for the repair and maintenance
Maintained
Academy
Free school
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
18
the head teacher
of premises. For voluntary aided schools responsibility lies with the diocese.
Register of business interests of Head teachers and Governors
(Applies to local authorities on behalf of maintained schools) (A register of business interests is covered in the Academies’ Financial Handbook)
DfE guidance: Determined by governing body Kirklees guidance: Completed on appoint-ment and updated annually
Governing body free to determine subject to the local authority scheme
The requirement that local authorities keep a register of any business interests of the governors and the head teachers is set out in regulation 26 read with paragraph 15 of Schedule 5 to the School Finance (England) Regulations 2012. Local authorities are required to have schemes for financing schools, and the content of these schemes must deal with the keeping of a register. http://goo.gl/CLazsY
One form per staff member and governor (including associate members). Any changes must be declared at the beginning of each meeting.
Register of pupils’ admissions to school
Live document The admissions register must be kept for at
The Governing body free to delegate to a committee of the governing
Legislation: The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 as subsequently amended: The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 http://goo.gl/xYTeuu and The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013
LA contact: Attendance and Pupil Support Tel: 01484 221919
Maintained
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
19
least 3 years body, an individual governor or the head teacher or the Proprietor must “cause to be kept” a register.
http://goo.gl/8CViIi The register itself can be kept by appropriate school staff.
Register of pupils’ attendance
Live document
As ‘Register of pupils’ admission to school’
As ‘Register of pupils’ admissions to school’
LA contact: Attendance and Pupil Support Tel: 01484 221919
School companies
All schools where a company is established. Applies to
The Trust needs to be set up and registered with
As required The Education Act 2002:Sections 11 and 12 and Schedule 1 Only applies to schools that are also registered companies. See Companies Act 1985 requirements and the Education Act
LA contact: Rajesh Singh School Organisation & Planning Team Manager Tel: 01484 221000
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
20
maintained schools when changing to Trust status.
Companies House prior to establish-ment of a new academy or free school, school or a change of school status
Applies to all schools taking on a Trust, including Academy Trusts and Trusts in maintained schools
Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS)
(PRUs with a delegated budget)
Annual review
Determined by governing body
Directed Revisions 2012 in the Local Schemes for Financial Delegation
LA contact: Angela Farmer Finance Tel: 01484 221000
Staff discipline conduct and grievance (procedures for addressing)
Maintained schools - governing body free to determine. All other establish-ments may want to
Maintained schools – full governing body. Academies – governing body free to delegate to
Maintained schools - The School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009. All schools - through general employment legislation. http://goo.gl/Ki7rhI
LA contact: Human Resources Tel: 01484 221000 Kirklees model policy and guidance: http://intranet.kirklees/services/chyps/schools/HR/disciplinary.shtml
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
Academy
Free school
Maintained
Maintained
PRU
21
include this policy but should refer to general employment law
a committee of the governing body, an individual governor or the head teacher
Statement of procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff
Determined by governing body
Determined by governing body
Keeping Children Safe in Education http://goo.gl/ehmHUw
LA Contact: Human Resources 01484 221000
Maintained
Academy
Free school
PRU
22
Non-Statutory (Optional) Policies and Documents Having the following policies or procedures in place can contribute to the smooth running of the school and assist in providing unambiguous responses to questions raised by stakeholders. In addition to our recommended policies school governing bodies are required to agree policies and procedures to cover the employment of staff in their schools. The council has developed a number of policies and procedures for adoption by schools and some useful model guidance. All Kirklees model school employment policies have been consulted upon with the relevant unions and representative headteachers and have been carefully written to comply with employment law. If a school wishes to change the content of a policy to adapt it for its own use, the school is strongly recommended to consult with the Human Resources team on 01484 225276. Abuse of School Staff An outline of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour towards school staff, and the measures taken to protect staff. The policy should include procedures for dealing with incidents, and sanctions for abuse of staff. Abuse on the internet needs to be included. Absence Management (staff) Managing sickness absence can help reduce absence rates; lessen impact on other staff, maintain continuity of teaching and assist with successful return to work. Authorised Absences A statement detailing the circumstances for which pupil absence during term time can be authorised. Code of Conduct A statement of common understanding of the broad principles by which a governing body operates. A sample code of conduct is available from the LA. Community Cohesion An outline of how the school promotes cohesion between pupils from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including work done with other schools or the wider community. Data Security (also known as Information Security) Procedures for keeping confidential pupil data secure; this will include email security, encryption of pen drives and security of school laptops.
23
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education Although drugs awareness, misuse, prevention and incident reporting may be covered in a range of other policies it can be worthwhile drawing the various strands together within one document, particularly for secondary schools. Education of children with medical needs This clarifies procedures and parameters for provision of medication by staff to pupils on school premises, (could be included in your Health & Safety policy) Emergency Plan Instructions for the provision of teaching to pupils in the event of a major incident affecting access to or operational effectiveness of the school premises and/or teaching staff. Financial Management & Monitoring (Finance Policy) This covers the management of the school finances including budgeting, signing authority and monitoring. Gifted and Talented Pupils Whilst provision for gifted and talented pupils can be covered in the SEN policy, many governing bodies may wish to maintain a specific policy. Governor Recruitment and Induction This policy should identify the activities required to attract good quality new recruits to the governing body and ensure that effective induction is provided. Kirklees model policies are available: New Governors Induction – Policy and Practice: http://goo.gl/MUsCa Skills Audit (NGA): http://goo.gl/MUsCa Governor Training and Development This policy should encompass the governors’ individual commitment to continuous learning as a means to governing body effectiveness. Governors’ Visits Governors are encouraged to visit the school as part of their monitoring role. To ensure partnership with staff, governing bodies are advised to develop a policy covering the purpose, protocol and reporting back of such visits.
24
Homework This can be an adjunct to the Home-School Agreement or a separate policy detailing the qualitative and quantitative expectations for homework. eSafety and Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) The eSafety policy should include details of how pupils are kept safe when using the internet in school, procedures for dealing with incidents, and how pupils are educated to keep themselves safe online. AUPs are needed for staff, pupils and any other people with access to school computers. Model Kirklees policies are available http://goo.gl/Efr3uW Loss and Bereavement Procedures for supporting staff and pupils in the event of sudden or inevitable deaths within the school community. Media Policy Protocols for speaking to the media and dealing with significant media worthy events and media requests for information. Kirklees Communications Service can support schools with this. Prospectus The statutory requirement for all schools to publish a prospectus ended on 1st September 2012. However schools are free to continue to update and publish the school prospectus if they wish. Schools must ensure that essential information is published online as set out in the changes to the School Information (England) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/3093. See Page 8 for further details. Pupil Assessment and Recording (to include marking) Details of adopted methods of assessing pupil progress and performance and the systems for maintaining pupil records, including access and disclosure. Details of the way in which pupils’ work will be marked and corrected should also be provided. Road Safety Dependent upon location, the governing body may wish to draw up a specific policy for minimising the traffic related risk to pupils, covering both practical measures and road safety education. The policy can be linked to the Healthy Schools Award, School Travel Plan and Safer Routes to School initiatives.
25
School Dress Code (Uniform) Where the governing body has insisted upon the wearing of school uniform or a fairly rigid dress code then the Headteacher will be required to enforce this. A policy will inform stakeholders as to the parameters and flexibility built in for cultural or financial sensitivity. School Development Plan (SDP) (also known as the School Improvement Plan) The school should have a plan detailing the priorities for improvement during the school year. These priorities should be agreed by the Headteacher and governing body and be based on a shared understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school and should also be informed by the most recent inspection and categorisation reports. The actions should be based on SMART objectives and clearly identify the person(s) responsible for implementing, monitoring and evaluating the actions. School Security This may be encapsulated in the Health & Safety policy or can be maintained as a separate policy covering how, as far as practicable, the school will be maintained as a safe and secure environment. School Trips The LA has produced a model policy and risk assessment proforma covering the safety of pupils on educational trips and school journeys (including visits abroad and potentially hazardous pursuits). This should already in place in the school but, if not, an electronic version can be obtained from [email protected]. References to other policies e.g. child protection, behaviour and drugs education may be appropriate. Staff Induction Identifies processes for induction of all staff including the support literature available and appointment of mentors. Staff Paid and Unpaid Leave (term time absence) Having an unambiguous written policy outlining the parameters for agreeing paid and unpaid leave for staff can save management time and avoid friction when such requests are received and assessed Statement of School Aims (Mission Statement or Vision)
26
A statement that articulates the views of the governing body, Headteacher and staff as to what the school is aiming to achieve. Sun Protection Describes systems school is adopting to safeguard all pupils e.g. wearing of hats, playground shelters, and protection on school trips (could be included in your H&S policy). Supply Teachers Procedures and principles for the use of supply teachers to cover absences and short term demands. Teaching & Learning or Teaching for Learning Encapsulates the school’s understanding of what constitutes effective learning and teaching and the practical strategies used. It often refers to the learning environment, teaching and learning styles, groupings and involvement of parents/carers as partners in learning. Volunteers in the School Similar to Governors’ Visits, this policy will detail the purpose, protocol and monitoring of volunteers and other visitors working in the school (and can include police checks, fire instructions etc.). Whistleblowing Governing bodies should ensure that they have adopted the model policy provided by Kirklees. Young Carers Governing bodies must ensure they have a policy in place outlining how they support pupils undertaking caring responsibilities
27
Appendix A Model Policy Pro Forma
Policy Title:
Date adopted by the governing body:
Date for full implementation:
Contact person:
Status (statutory, recommended/additional):
Purpose (Why do we need this policy? What background information do we have? How does it reflect the vision, values and aims of the school?)
Who/what was consulted? Individuals, groups, documents)
Relationships to other policies
Roles and responsibilities (Who does what – Headteacher, staff, governors?)
Monitoring and evaluating effectiveness of policy (Evidence of success and who will inform governing body)
Review date:
28
Appendix B - Model Policy Review Chart
Name of Policy Date Approved by Governors
Date of next review
Committee /governor responsible
Lead staff
29
Appendix C TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY A GOVERNING BODY: SCHOOL YEAR 2012/2013 THE GOVERNING BODY OF ……..................................................
(Please tick the appropriate meeting)
TOPICS (Statutory Policies have been highlighted in bold ) AUTUMN Autumn 1 Autumn
2 Financial Management & Monitoring
Visit of the LA School Improvement Officer (TQIO)
Staff Absence Management
Review and set Key Stage Predictions*
Review SATs/Pupil Achievement and Attainment
Performance Management – Policy Review and Report
Review Aims and Objectives of the School
Review Home/School Agreement (recommended bi-annual)*
Attendance Targets
Admissions Policy (Aided and Foundation Schools only)
Homework Policy
Register of Pupils
The Designated Teacher (Looked After Children) (termly)
Governors Allowances (Scheme for Paying) – Annual Review
Safeguarding Policy
Central Record of Recruitment and Vetting checks
Early Years Foundation Stage
Register of Business Interests of Staff and Governors
SPRING Spring 1 Spring 2
Financial Management & Monitoring
Approve Budget - if available (Non-delegable)
Staff Pay Policy Review
Accessibility Plan
Charges for School Activities, Lettings & Use of Premises Policy
Complaints Procedures
Health & Safety Policy including Risk Assessments
Allegations of abuse against Staff (policy on)
Whole School Pay Policy
Emergency School Plan
30
The Designated Teacher (Looked After Children ) (termly)
Collective Worship (policy on)*
Exclusion of pupils
Review of Staffing Structure Document
School Companies
SUMMER Summer 1 Summer 2 Approve Budget (Non-delegable)
School Discipline and Pupil Behaviour Policies (recommended bi-annual)
Approve School Improvement Plan. Whilst not a legal requirement it is probably the most important document in terms of Ofsted
Revise Prospectus*
Parental Involvement
Governors Self Review- Review Action Plan (recommended bi-annual)
The Designated Teacher (Looked After Children ) (termly)
Validate the school self-evaluation
Freedom of Information (Publication Scheme)
Governors’ Annual Report to Parents (Maintained nursery schools)
COMMITTEE (Although these items have been grouped to be best addressed at committee level if you wish any to be an item on a GB meeting agenda please list term and 1 or 2
Staff Discipline, Conduct and Grievance procedures
Job Descriptions - Agreed with staff ( Kirklees provide good examples)
Leave of Absence
Community Cohesion
Equality Policy (to include Disability, Gender and Race)
Pastoral Care (Inclusion)
Administering Medicines
Asthma
Drugs Awareness, including health promotion
The Designated Teacher (Looked After Children ) (termly)
Review Information to Parents
Child Protection Policy
Policy for Governors’ Visits to School
Sex & Relationships Education Policy*
31
Policy for Dealing with the Media
Curriculum Policy
English including Literacy and Drama ( Whole School Language Policy)
Mathematics including Numeracy
Science
Technology including ICT and Internet Access
History
Geography
Foreign Languages
Art
Music
PE
Collective Worship Policy – Careers Education & Guidance Early Years / Nursery Special Educational Needs PSHCE - Including Citizenship, Economic and Industrial awareness , Environmental Education Design and Technology
Careers Education and Guidance
Early Years / Foundation Stage
Special Educational Needs Policy
PSHCE – Including Citizenship, Economic and Industrial awareness, Environmental Education
Design and Technology
Exclusion of Pupils
Governors Code of Conduct
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education
Gifted and Talented Pupils
Governor Recruitment and Induction
Governor Training and development
Whistleblowing
Road Safety
School Dress Code
School Trips
Staff Paid and Unpaid Leave of Absence
School Security
Young Carers
32
OTHER TOPICS AT THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNING BODY ( e.g. Monitoring the SDP) please indicate which meeting in which term
SIGNED (CHAIR) ....................................................................................................... DATE ....................................... PLEASE RETURN TO: THE SCHOOL GOVERNOR SERVICE, EITHER VIA YOUR
MINUTE CLERK OR THE SCHOOL WALLET, BY THE END OF TERM
Important Notes:
1. Section 382 of the Statutory Guidance (Procedures) Regulations 2003 has greatly reduced the range of topics which are not delegable.
2. You may prefer to discuss some of the items grouped under committee at a full meeting if so please indicate.
3. Please select as many or as few, as you see fit. If you return Appendix C via the school wallet or via your minute clerk the School Governor Service will ensure that the items appear on the appropriate agenda.
4. Please ensure that where appropriate there is a report or supporting material for an agenda item, ideally that can be sent out with the agenda from the office.
5. You may wish to enter items specific to your governing body at the bottom of the proforma. For further help please contact the School Governor Service at The Deighton Centre on (01484) 414701.
*Not required in maintained nursery schools
![BOARD OF GOVERNORS SIGNING AUTHORITY … Signing...BOARD OF GOVERNORS SIGNING AUTHORITY POLICY Effective: [JUNE 6/13] Purpose: This Policy concerns University contracting and the delegation](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/5aea38f27f8b9a90318b59ac/board-of-governors-signing-authority-signingboard-of-governors-signing-authority.jpg)
