Documentation of Policies and Procedures

Schools need to document their philosophical and operational positions. There is a range of options available to schools in how they organize this documentation. These options include the charter (including strategic and annual plans), board manuals, policies, procedures (including a staff handbook), curriculum documents and action plans.

Schools are also using a range of ways of making these documents available to relevant stakeholders. This may include a school website, Board manual and policy folder, staff handbook and newsletters.

Policy statements reflect a philosophical position and can be expected to remain valid over an extended period of time . A board of trustees is entitled to set policy directions (Sections 75 and 76, Education Act 1989). The principal must comply with policy directions and, subject to those, has complete discretion to manage the school’s day to day administration through established procedures. Procedures are operational in nature.

In making decisions about what policies the board may want to adopt consideration should be given to the school’s culture, the schools needs and any potential risk to the school.

Use this list of policies and procedures to assist you to organize your school’s documentation. The categories and areas listed below are only a guide. Some policies and/or procedures may be combined. Some areas may be included in other documentation such as your charter.