The Importance of Policies and Procedures in Schools

Policies are important because they help a school establish rules and procedures in order to function effectively and ensure everyone is connected.

Schools are highly complex and create standards of quality for learning and safety, as well as expectations and accountability. Without these, schools would lack the structure and function necessary to provide for the educational needs of students.

Some policies will be common throughout all schools, whilst others will be designed specifically for each school. State and Federal based legislation and guidelines will provide the guidance to assist with the development of the content of your policies and procedures. Additional guidelines for example from the National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) provides further information on the development of policies and procedures.

https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/national_safe_schools_framework.pdf

Other bodies such as the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) provide forums to assist in the drafting and refinement of governance documents in collaboration with teachers, parents, carers, and students.

The policies written by schools should include clear plain language and definition of terms in order to function effectively. Schools must have clear policies and procedures that guide day-to-day processes. These policies cover everything from attendance, to student discipline, to emergency procedures, to the curriculum.

A clear suite of policies and procedures assist in the demonstration of compliance with corporate governance, Teaching standards, Student welfare and Education programs.