Transcript Document 7508596

Policy Development – Helpful
Hints
School Councils
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
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
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
Examples of policies
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Uniform
Camp, excursions & outdoor activities
Homework
Welfare
Sun smart
Parent engagement
Use of school facilities
Sponsorship
Curriculum
Complaints - Conflict resolution
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
A sample policy template
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Policy name and date
Rationale or purpose
Policy statement
Implementation
Evaluation and review
Definitions
References
Ratified and dated
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
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
For more information
• http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/go
vernance/schoolcouncils/default.htm