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Home-school agreement
A home-school agreement is a statement which the governing body of a school must adopt and which specifies:
- The schools aims and values
- Responsibilities accepted by the school with respect to the education of its pupils who are of compulsory school age.
- What is expected of the parents of pupils registered at the school
- How the school expects its pupils to conduct themselves
Before adopting a home-school agreement the governing body is required to consult all parents of pupils registered at the school. The governing body has the legal responsibilities for adopting the home-school agreement. The Governing body is required to take "reasonable steps" to ensure that parents sign the parental declaration which shows they have taken note of the content of the home-school agreement and they take responsibilities for its fulfilment. If the governing body feel that the pupil understands the content of the home-school agreement they may invite pupils to sign as well.
If a parent refuses to sign a home-school agreement it does not mean that they are exempt from the rules of the school and it is not a reason for excluding a pupil. Signing the agreement may not be a condition for admitting a child to the school.
Suggested content of Home-School agreement
- Standard of education - targets for GCSE's etc
- School Ethos - schools aims for the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of its pupils
- Attendance - the policy should show that parents are responsible for ensuring that their children receive full time, suitable education and that their attendance is regular. They must notify the school if the child cannot attend
- Discipline - policies for bullying etc.
- Homework - What is expected of each pupil
- Communications - when reports can be expected
- Complaints - how the governors complaints procedure works
You can find more information on The Standards Site about parental involvement in home school agreements.
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