HOME-SCHOOL AGREEMENT

We believe this policy relates to the following legislation:
 

• School Standards and Framework Act 1998

 
The following documentation is also related to this policy:
 

• Home-School Agreements: Guidance for Local Authorities and Governing Bodies (DfE)

 
We believe it is our duty as stated in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to have in place a home-school agreement and parental declaration.
 
We have consulted with all parents before adopting the present home-school agreement. Further consultation will take place if there is a need to revise the present agreement.
 
We have high expectations for all pupils who attend this school and we believe a home-school agreement provides a sound foundation for establishing effective working partnerships between home and school.
 
We understand that the contents of a home-school agreement must cover the ethos of the school, attendance, punctuality, discipline, behaviour and homework.
 
We will ensure parents receive a copy of the home-school agreement once they have signed it but must be made aware that if they refuse to sign they will still have to abide by the school rules. No sanctions will be taken against any parent if they refuse to sign.
 
We believe that pupils should be given the opportunity to also sign the agreement if they understand its contents and are prepared to accept what is expected of them.
 
We will ensure that the home-school agreement is updated every two years after undertaking surveys with parents, school personnel, pupils and governors.
 
We wish to work closely with the School Council and to hear their views and opinions as we acknowledge and support Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that children should be encouraged to form and to express their views.
 
We as a school community have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.
 
We aim to be judged at least good in all school inspections by ensuring that standards for all pupils are higher than schools of a similar size and that standards continue to improve faster than the national trend. We believe we will achieve this by having in place a home-school agreement that all parents and pupils have signed up to.
 
We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.
 
 
Aims
 

• To share good practice within the school and with other schools.
• To work with other schools and the local authority (LA) to share good practice in order to improve this policy.

 
Responsibility for the Policy and Procedure
 
Role of the Governing Body
 
The Governing Body has:
 

• delegated powers and responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all school personnel and stakeholders are aware of and comply with this policy;
• delegated responsibilities to the Headteacher to ensure all parents and pupils are given the opportunity to sign the home-school agreement;
• responsibility for ensuring full compliance with all statutory responsibilities;
• responsibility for ensuring that the school complies with all equalities legislation;
• nominated a designated Equalities governor to ensure that appropriate action will be taken to deal with all prejudice related incidents or incidents which are a breach of this policy;
• responsibility for ensuring funding is in place to support this policy;
• make effective use of relevant research and information to improve this policy;
• responsibility for ensuring this policy and all policies are maintained and updated regularly;
• responsibility for ensuring all policies are made available to parents;
• the responsibility of involving the School Council in the development, approval, implementation and review of this policy;
• nominated a link governor to visit the school regularly, to liaise with the Headteacher and the coordinator and to report back to the Governing Body;
• responsibility for the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this policy

 
Role of the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team
 
The Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team will:
 

• ensure all school personnel, pupils and parents are aware of and comply with this policy;
• ensure all parents and pupils are given the opportunity to sign the home-school agreement;
• ensure the agreement is updated every two years after consultation with parents, pupils and governors;
• work closely with the link governor and coordinator;
• provide leadership and vision in respect of equality;
• provide guidance, support and training to all staff;
• make effective use of relevant research and information to improve this policy;
• monitor the effectiveness of this policy;
• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy

 
Role of the Nominated Governor
 
The Nominated Governor will:
 

• work closely with the Headteacher and the coordinator;
• ensure this policy and other linked policies are up to date;
• ensure that everyone connected with the school is aware of this policy;
• attend training related to this policy;
• report to the Governing Body every term;
• annually report to the Governing Body on the success and development of this policy

 
Role of School Personnel
 
School personnel will:
 

• comply with all aspects of this policy;
• work hard to maintain a positive ethos;
• work hard to maintain a safe and respected school environment;
• show respect for all members of the school community;
• develop positive working relationships with pupils, school personnel, parents and   governors;
• plan and deliver good to outstanding lessons;
• have expectations of their pupils;
• achieve high standards;
• celebrate the success of pupils in lessons
• work hard to maintain a positive ethos;
• work hard to maintain a safe and respected school environment;
•  promote good behaviour;
•  implement the school’s equalities policy and schemes;
•  report and deal with all incidents of discrimination;
• attend appropriate training sessions on equality;
• report any concerns they have on any aspect of the school community

 
Role of Pupils
 
Pupils will:
 

• be aware of and comply with this policy
• be polite and well behaved at all times;
• show consideration to others;
• talk to others without shouting and will use language which is neither abusive nor offensive;

• listen carefully to all instructions given by the teacher;
• ask for further help if they do not understand;
• learn to take pride in their work;
• produce work of a high standard;
• participate fully in all lessons;
• participate in discussions concerning progress and attainment;
• hand in homework properly completed and on time;
• treat others, their work and equipment with respect;
• support the school Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure the smooth running of the school;
• obey all health and safety regulations in all areas of the school;
• co-sign and abide by the Home School Agreement;
• wear correct uniform
• liaise with the school council make suggestions about improving school behaviour;
• take part in questionnaires and surveys

 
Role of the School Council
 
The School Council will be involved in:
 

• determining this policy with the Governing Body;
• discussing improvements to this policy during the school year;
• organising surveys to gauge the thoughts of all pupils;
• reviewing the effectiveness of this policy with the Governing Body

 
Role of Parents/Carers
 
Parents/carers will:
 

• be aware of and comply with this policy;
• be encouraged to take an active role in the life of the school by attending:

 

• parents and open evenings
• parent-teacher consultations
• class assemblies
• school concerts
• fundraising and social events

 

• be encouraged to work in school as volunteers;
• be encouraged to organise after school clubs or groups;

• be asked to take part periodic surveys conducted by the school;

• ensure regular and punctual attendance;
• notify school on the first day of pupil absence;
• encourage effort and achievement;
• encourage completion of homework and return it to school;
• provide the right conditions for homework to take place;
• expect their child to hand in homework on time;
• join the school in celebrating success of their child's learning;
• support the school Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure smooth running of the school;
• ensure correct school uniform is worn

 
Raising Awareness of this Policy
 
We will raise awareness of this policy via:
 

• the School Handbook/Prospectus
• the school website
• the Staff Handbook
• meetings with parents such as introductory, transition, parent-teacher consultations and periodic curriculum workshops

• school events

• meetings with school personnel
• communications with home such as weekly newsletters and of end of half term newsletters
• reports such annual report to parents and Headteacher reports to the Governing Body

• information displays in the main school entrance

 
Training
 
All school personnel:
 

• have equal chances of training, career development and promotion
• receive training on induction which specifically covers:

 

• All aspects of this policy
• Equal opportunities
• Inclusion

 

• receive periodic training so that they are kept up to date with new information
• receive equal opportunities training on induction in order to improve their understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and its implications

 
Equality Impact Assessment
 
Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty not to discriminate against people on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
 
This policy has been equality impact assessed and we believe that it is in line with the Equality Act 2010 as it is fair, it does not prioritise or disadvantage any pupil and it helps to promote equality at this school. (See Initial Equality Impact Assessment)
 
Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Policy
 
The practical application of this policy will be reviewed annually or when the need arises by the coordinator, the Headteacher and the nominated governor.
 
A statement of the policy's effectiveness and the necessary recommendations for improvement will be presented to the Governing Body for further discussion and endorsement. (See Policy Evaluation)