Schools as Organisations UNIT TWO Schools as Organisations

Learning Outcomes Explain why schools have policies and procedures Summaries the policies and procedures schools may have relating to: (a) staff (b) pupil welfare (c) teaching and learning (d) equality, diversity and inclusion (e) parental engagement

Learning Outcomes Evaluate how school policies and procedures may be developed and communicated. Summarise the roles and responsibilities of national and local government for educational policy and practice. Explain the role of schools in national policies relating to children, young people and families. Explain the roles of other organisations working withchildren and young people and how these may impact the work of schools.

2.5 Understand the Purposes of School Policies and Procedures. All Schools are required to have clear policies and procedures. This means that parents, staff, governors and anyone with a vested interest in the school are able to work within a clear comprehensible set of guidelines. It is important that there are no ‘grey’ areas left

Policies and Procedures Why Have Policies and Procedures?

2.5 Understand the Purposes of School Policies and Procedures. Define Clear guidelines for working practice Establish rules and regulations Ensure safe environment for pupils and staff Ensures clarity in any given situation Creates a more productive and efficient learning environment.

Policies and Procedures Every School will have a large number of policies which will relate to different aspects of school life. The policies may not have exactly the same name but most will cover the same areas. Each policy needs to have clear purpose and aims and be informative to staff and parents and anyone involved in the day to day running of the school.

Policies and Procedures Schools have policies and procedures relating to : Staff Pupil Welfare Teaching and Learning Equality Diversity and inclusion Parental engagement

2.5 Understand the Purposes of School Policies and Procedures. Examples of Policies. Child Protection Policy Health and Safety Policy Special Education Policy Equal Opportunities Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Attendance Policy Teaching and Learning Policy

Policies and Procedures Your Task Complete the table. In your groups find a policy on the internet, bullet point the details and feedback to the rest of the group. What is important for you to be clear of in your role.

2:5.3 Evaluate how School Policies and Procedures may be developed and communicated How are School Policies developed? How are School Policies communicated to relevant stakeholders? Think about- Who decides policy Who should have a say in policy development Who needs to know How can they find out. Use the above to discuss the two questions posed

Policy Development Schools need to ensure policies are updated and revised on a regular basis. Policies normally are dated and a date given for when it should be revised. Legislation may sometimes dictate when the policy is to be created, changed or updated. Responsibility of Senior Management in consultation with staff, parents, governors and anyone with an interest in the school.

Evaluate Policies Portfolio Activity. List the strengths and the areas for development of how policies are developed and communicated to parents and others with an interest in the school

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. 2:6.1 Explain the roles and responsibilities of national and local government for educational policy and practice 1. Committee for Education. Established to advise and assist the education minister in relation to Policy development Consultation role for Department of Education for Northern Ireland Key role in development of legislation e.g. Inquiry into Education and Training Inspectorate. www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly- Business/Committees/Education

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. 2. Department of Education for Northern Ireland. (DENI) Provision of an education system of a high standard which is child focused. Statutory provision of education – nursery, primary and post primary Effective implementation of education policy Effective delivery of curriculum and effective use of budgets Funding research into education based and young people centred projects and developments.

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. 2:6.2 Explain the Roles of Schools in National Policies relating to children, young people and families. Schools are expected to keep up to date with current legislation, research and subsequent policies which directly affect them. They should act on any policy and curriculum developments that research dictates.

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. Examples Every school a good school (2009). Focus to raise school standards and improve pupil outcomes. Self evaluation as schools are best placed to drive any changes needed. Priorities for Youth. (Consultation) Some Key points Recognition of the educational benefits of youth work; Enhancing participation of young people in flexible ways; Increased links between formal education and youth work; Targeting underachievement and disadvantage, while maintaining access to universal provision;

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. Safeguarding and schools. Schools should have a number of measures in place in relation to child protection procedures and safeguarding laws. staff who have been trained to identify signs of abuse including what to do if they or someone else is worried about a child a designated teacher responsible for dealing with child protection procedures for checking on staff before they are allowed to work with children a child protection policy which includes procedures to be followed if a teacher or other member of staff is accused of harming a child

Roles of other Organisations There are a wide range of organisations that are involved in the lives of young people so it makes sense that schools should work with them in a multi-disciplinary fashion to ensure the best outcome for the young person

2.6 Understand the wider context in which schools operate. 2:6.3 Explain the roles of other organisations working with children and young people and how these may impact the work of schools. National organisations – NSPCC, Save the Children, Bernardos, Youth Justice, Social Services Northern Ireland – Children’s Law Centre, Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People (, NICCY) Community Level. Schools are an integral part of the community they serve and as such should be aware of the excellent services available. E.g. Intervention team Alternative Education Provision.

Roles of other organisations Description Social Services Youth Justice Youth Services Local community organisations National Health Service

Case Study In groups come up with a situation with a young person where external organisations may be involved and how a partnership agreement with the school would benefit the young person. Mention any relevant policies.

Re-Cap What are school policies Why schools have policies How do policies relate to different aspects of how the school is run What is the role of national and local government for education policy and practice Roles of other organisations working with young people and how these can impact on the work of schools

Evaluate Lets share one new piece of information or something of interest that we gained form the lesson