5.1 Identify the policies and procedures schools and colleges have relating to: • staff • pupil welfare • teaching and learning • equality, diversity and inclusion • health, safety and security

This. guide will help you answer 5.1 Identify the policies and procedures schools and colleges have relating to: • staff • pupil welfare • teaching and learning • equality, diversity and inclusion • health, safety and security.

Schools and colleges have a clear set of policies and procedures for their staff to follow. These documents help create a safe, professional and fair working environment. They set out expected behaviours and responsibilities. They also explain what support staff can expect from their employer.

Common staff-related policies include:

• Code of Conduct – outlines expected standards of professional behaviour. This includes appropriate relationships with pupils, confidentiality, dress code and conduct inside and outside of work hours.
• Recruitment and Selection Policy – explains how staff are recruited fairly and legally. This includes advertising, application processes, interviews and equality in hiring.
• Appraisal and Performance Management Policy – sets out how staff performance is monitored and reviewed. This often includes annual reviews and target setting.
• Grievance Procedure – gives staff a route to raise concerns or complaints about their employment.
• Disciplinary Policy – outlines the process if staff fail to follow rules or procedures. It describes possible stages such as verbal warnings, written warnings and dismissal.
• Professional Development Policy – explains opportunities for training and learning to improve skills and career prospects.

These policies align with employment law and protect both the organisation and the employee. They make expectations clear and help create a professional culture.

Policies and Procedures Relating to Pupil Welfare

Pupil welfare policies focus on safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. They are shaped by law, guidance from the Department for Education and best practice.

Common policies for pupil welfare include:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy – sets out the duty to protect pupils from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. It includes how to report concerns and the roles of designated safeguarding leads.
• Anti-Bullying Policy – explains the school’s stance on bullying and harassment. It includes prevention work, reporting pathways and actions taken when bullying happens.
• Attendance Policy – promotes regular attendance, explains procedures for reporting absence and outlines actions for persistent absentees.
• Behaviour Policy – sets expectations for pupils’ behaviour. It includes rewards, sanctions and support strategies.
• Pastoral Care Policy – describes systems for offering support to pupils facing personal, family or learning challenges.
• Medical Needs Policy – details how pupils with ongoing health conditions are supported. This can include administering medication and managing emergencies.

These procedures keep the welfare of pupils at the heart of the institution’s work. They also create consistency in how support is provided.

Policies and Procedures Relating to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning policies guide how education is delivered, monitored and improved. They give staff a clear framework to work within and help maintain quality education for all pupils.

Typical teaching and learning policies include:

• Curriculum Policy – outlines the subjects and topics taught across different key stages. It ensures learning aligns with national curriculum requirements.
• Assessment Policy – describes how pupil progress is assessed. This may be through teacher marking, tests, exams and internal tracking systems.
• Home Learning Policy – covers expectations about homework, how it supports classroom learning and how it is marked.
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy – ensures pupils with additional needs are identified and supported effectively.
• Marking and Feedback Policy – sets out how feedback is given to help pupils improve their work.
• Teaching and Learning Policy – gives guidance on lesson planning, delivery, differentiation and use of resources.

These policies help everyone work towards consistent teaching standards. They also support monitoring and improvement of teaching methods.

Policies and Procedures Relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies aim to give every pupil and staff member fair treatment and equal opportunities. They also promote respect for all backgrounds, cultures and identities.

Typical EDI-related policies include:

• Equality Policy – sets out the commitment to meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. It focuses on preventing discrimination on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
• Inclusion Policy – explains how all pupils will be given access to learning and school life. It covers adaptations for disabilities, language support and meeting varied learning needs.
• Diversity Policy – promotes understanding and respect for different backgrounds and cultures. Schools may celebrate cultural events and encourage inclusive teaching materials.
• Accessibility Plan – details how the school will improve physical access to buildings and curriculum access for those with disabilities.
• Anti-Discrimination Procedure – outlines steps to address and prevent discriminatory incidents.

These policies create a positive and respectful community. They also follow legal requirements to protect against unfair treatment.

Policies and Procedures Relating to Health, Safety and Security

Health, safety and security policies protect everyone in the school environment. They set rules for preventing accidents, responding to emergencies and protecting property.

Common health, safety and security policies include:

• Health and Safety Policy – outlines how the school manages risks to keep people safe. It covers risk assessments, accident reporting and safe working practices.
• Emergency Evacuation Procedures – explain how to leave the building safely in case of fire or other emergency. Staff practise these through regular drills.
• First Aid Policy – details the location of first aid kits, who is trained to give first aid and how incidents are recorded.
• Security Policy – explains measures to keep the site secure. This could include visitor signing-in systems, CCTV use and locked gates during the school day.
• Educational Visits Policy – outlines safety steps for trips outside school, including risk assessments and consent from parents or carers.
• Infection Control Policy – sets out procedures for reducing the spread of illnesses and managing outbreaks.

These policies link to both legal duties and best practice guidance. They help keep pupils, staff and visitors safe.

How Policies and Procedures Are Shared and Applied

Schools and colleges make policies available to staff through staff handbooks, intranet platforms and regular meetings. Key policies are also visible to parents, carers and pupils through school websites or information leaflets.

Training sessions help staff put the policies into practice. Examples include safeguarding training, first aid refreshers and equality awareness workshops. Procedures are applied by following the steps set out in the documents. For example, the safeguarding policy will state exactly how to pass on a concern about a pupil.

Staff are expected to know and follow relevant procedures for their role. Managers monitor practice to make sure policies are followed correctly. When policies are updated, this is usually shared through briefings, memo updates or training sessions.

Having Clear Policies

Clear policies create consistency. Every staff member takes the same actions in similar situations. This improves fairness, safety and trust.

They also protect staff and the institution legally. If a complaint is made, the organisation can show that actions followed agreed procedures. For pupils and parents, policies provide transparency. Everyone knows what to expect.

Without clear policies, decisions may be inconsistent. This can lead to confusion, mistakes or legal risks.

Final Thoughts

Working in a school or college involves following a range of policies and procedures. These are not just paperwork. They are active tools that guide safe, fair and effective practice. They exist to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.

By understanding these policies and applying them each day, you help create a place where learners can thrive. You also protect yourself and your colleagues. Every person in the organisation plays a part in making sure the policies are followed, reviewed and improved when needed. The better you know them, the more confident and effective you will be in your role.