Policy Development – Helpful Hints School Councils

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Policy Development Helpful HintsSchool
Councils

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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

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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
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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
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Examples of policies

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

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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

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A sample policy template

• Policy name and date
• Rationale or purpose
• Policy statement
• Implementation
• Evaluation and review
• Definitions
• References
• Ratified and dated

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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
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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
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For more information

• http//www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governa
  nce/schoolcouncils/default.htm