Advice on Industrial Action in Schools
Responsibilities
Maintained schools - whilst the governing body has general responsibility for conduct of the school, the decision to open, partially open or to close a school is an operational one, and therefore falls to the head teacher.
Academies - the Academy Trust has overall responsibility for running the school, but in practice the decision to open, partially open or to close a school may be delegated to the head teacher.
It is best practice for head teachers to consult parents and governors before making a decision.
Head teachers normally ask staff in advance, if they intend to strike. This enables them to make an informed decision and plan how to manage the strike.
Recording attendance when schools are closed
Where a school is forced to partially close due to industrial action, sessions for those pupils unable to attend should be marked in the register using the Y code - this will mean it is not counted as a possible attendance.
Health and safety
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the employer in a school must take reasonable steps to ensure staff and pupils are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. This applies to activities on or off school premises.
The Department has recently issued simplified and clearer guidance about health and safety which is available on the Health and safety pages in this section of the website.
Head teachers and Academy Trusts should take account of this guidance in considering how to manage any risks in the arrangements they make to keep schools open.
No comments:
Post a Comment