1. Policy Development – Helpful Hints School Councils
Explanatory Notes:
This presentation is intended to provide school councillors with an understating of:
What a policy is
The benefits of having policies
How to develop policies
Where to go for more information.

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
What is a policy?
A policy is a guiding principle designed to influence decisions, actions that the school makes.
It is usually a written document that outlines a required process or procedure within the school, such as how to deal with bullying, or the school’s approach to homework or how complaints are to be managed 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. For example, a homework policy might reflect the belief that regular homework develops sound study habits.
Not all issues require a policy; many routine matters can be dealt with by developing simple procedures. For example, you might have a procedure for “wet” lunch times – this is unlikely to require a detailed policy.

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
What does a good school policy look like?
A good school policy has the following characteristics:
based on a clear statement of a belief or purpose
the purpose arises from goals which the school has adopted and which may be either voluntary (e.g. a healthy eating policy) or required (e.g. legal requirements)
contain implementation 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 that may follow on from the policy.
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
What does a good school policy look like?
A good school policy also:
provides positive direction for councillors and staff
permits staff to make interpretations in such a way as to adjust for changing conditions without making any basic changes in policy
is evaluated on a regular basis
is a statement on a single issue
is written in a style which is readily understood by all members of the school community.
Note: a Policy Writing Framework is included in the Strategic Planning & Policy Development section of the website (
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
Some examples of school policies are:
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
A few tips for good policy writing
Clear, concise, simple language means polices will be understood and therefore used
- Avoid the use of acronyms and if that is not possible, provide an explanation of the 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 be realistically 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
A sample policy template
Policy name and date
The name of the policy and the date it was developed (or reviewed) needs to be at the top of the policy statement.
Rationale or purpose of the policy
The rationale or purpose statement explains why the policy is being written, ie why it is needed. The rationale may also contain or refer to background materials or more explanatory details regarding educational, environmental, legal, regulatory, or other factors that led to the development of the policy.
Policy statement
The policy statement should be a brief statement of “what” the policy is intended to achieve (one or two sentences). The policy statement tells what the aim(s) of the policy is (are). The policy statement should be general enough so it provides for some flexibility in implementation and to allow for changes as it is reviewed.
Implementation
The implementation section details “how” the policy statement will be achieved or undertaken. It may have different requirements for different parts of the school population (for example, staff, students at different year levels, parents, visitors) as well as outlining who will be responsible for various parts of the execution of the policy.
Evaluation and review
Policies must be reviewed on a regular basis. This may be bi-yearly, annually or as legislation or regulations change. A defined review cycle should be stated.
Definitions
Policies should be clear and easy to understand. Sometimes terms/words will need to be defined to clarify meaning.
References
For example, the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide, relevant legislation,
‘expert’ sources, DoE guidelines.
Ratified and dated
Policies need to be ratified (approved and brought into effect) by school council and the date stating when this occurred needs to be included.

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
Benefits of policies
Good policies are essential because they:
demonstrate that the school is being operated in an efficient manner
let everyone know what the approach to certain matters will be
ensure that there will be uniformity and consistency in decisions and in how the school operates
are consistent with those for the wider education system and with the various laws with which the school needs to comply (for example Occupational Health and Safety, anti-discrimination laws)
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
More benefits
Policies also:
maintain the direction of the school even during change of principals and teachers. This allows for stability and continuity within the school.
provide a framework for school planning. For example, a homework policy assists the teachers in their term planning.
assist in the assessment of performance and in establishing accountability. Policies should make clear what is expected by who.
clarify functions and responsibilities, especially between different groups, for example staff, parents and students.
Source: NSW Department of Education & Training

10. For more information