Policy Development – Helpful Hints School Councils

1. Policy Development – Helpful HintsSchool Councils

2. What is a policy? • A policy is a guiding principle designed to influence decisions and actions • Typically, a policy outlines in writing a required process or procedure within the school • A policy should only be established to achieve some purpose which reflects a set of beliefs or values on the issue concerned • Not all issues require a policy; many routine matters can be dealt with by developing simple procedures

3. A good school policy would… • be based on a clear statement of a belief or purpose and arises from goals which have been adopted for the school • contain guidelines that provide a framework for achieving clearly stated purposes on an important issue • tell what is wanted of individuals or groups in the school • tell why certain things are wanted of individuals or groups within the school • provide a clear basis for the preparation and implementation of rules and procedures Source: NSW Department of Education & Training

4. A good school policy would… • provide positive direction for councillors and staff • permit staff to make interpretations in such a way as to adjust for changing conditions without making any basic changes in policy • be evaluated on a regular basis • be a statement on a single issue • be written in a style which is readily understood by all members of the school community Source: NSW Department of Education & Training

5. Examples of policies • Uniform • Camp, excursions & outdoor activities • Homework • Welfare • Sun smart • Parent engagement • Use of school facilities • Sponsorship • Curriculum • Complaints - Conflict resolution

6. A few tips on writing policies • Clear, concise, simple language means polices will be understood • Avoid the use of acronyms • Use everyday words • Use short sentences. • If action is compulsory, use ‘must’ • If the action is recommended, use ‘should’ • Policy must be practical and able to be implemented

7. A sample policy template • Policy name and date • Rationale or purpose • Policy statement • Implementation • Evaluation and review • Definitions • References • Ratified and dated

8. Benefits of policies • Demonstrate that the school is being operated in an efficient manner • Ensure that there will be uniformity and consistency in decisions and in operational procedures • Are consistent with those for the education system as a whole and with the various laws with which the school needs to comply • Ensure that meetings are orderly. Valuable time can be saved when a new problem can be handled quickly and effectively because of its relationship to an existing policy Source: NSW Department of Education & Training

9. Benefits of policies • Maintain the direction of the school even during change of principals and teachers • Provide a framework for school planning • Assist in the assessment of performance and in establishing accountability • Clarify functions and responsibilities Source: NSW Department of Education & Training

10. For more information • http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/schoolcouncils/default.htm