Schools

SCHOOLS AS ORGANISATIONS This is an introduction to parents explaining the different types of schools there are in England. There are two types of schools in England, state and independent. The main difference between the two is state schools are free and all follow the National Curriculum. Independent schools, however, are funded by fees which are paid for by parents and other investors. These schools have their own curriculum and are monitored by OFSTED or a inspector approved by the Secretary of State. There are many types of state schools, all specialising in different areas. Here is a description about some of them, whose is in charge and what they offer: Community Schools • Run by Local Authority • Employs staff • Owns land and buildings • Sets up their own admissions criteria • Having good links with the community and providing use of their facilities Foundation and Trust Schools • Run by governors • They recruit their own staff • Land and buildings owned by them Faith Schools • Run same way as state schools • Focus on religion, as well as National Curriculum • Also faith will be considered with regards to admissions and staffing Specialist Schools • These schools focus on certain subjects, such as sports, music or drama • Follow National Curriculum Academies • Set up by business or a charity in partnership with Department of Education and Local Authority • Have freedom to manage their school and decide how the school day should run • Deliver curriculum in their own way and how the they think suitable • Altogether they find the land and buildings and the Government provide the running costs Special Needs Schools • These cater for children with physical or learning difficulties I hope this information has been of use to you in helping to decide which school you should choose. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF IN SCHOOLS Schools are made up with many different staff members, all forming a vital role within the school. Here is a brief description about the roles and responsibilities of each of these: STAFF ROLE RESPONSIBILITY School Governor They are responsible for how the school is run and setting out standards of education Following the curriculum Controlling the school finances Employing staff Reviewing staff performance pay Senior Management Team, such as Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher’s role is organising and managing the whole school. It is also a Deputy Head’s job to assist with helping the Head and adopting that role when they are absent Plan aims and objectives for the school Set targets for governors to consider Meet with governors to discuss progress of school Special Educational Need Co-ordinator (SENCO) SENCO’s role is to help and support children with special needs, and draw up plans to help each child’s individual learning Support and guide all staff with child’s needs Liaise with parents about child’s progress Monitor child’s needs throughout school Learning Support such as Teaching Assistant Working along-side the teacher providing appropriate learning Working in small groups to provide education Help to monitor and record children’s progress Midday Supervisors To organise and manage children throughout lunch-time ensuring their safety and well-being Teach manners and good eating habits Provide safety in the playground Administration Staff - Secretaries To manage the business side and finance of the school Take care of admissions Liaise with parents and teachers Specialist and Technical Staff Assisting with educating certain specialist subjects, such as food and science Setting up the various equipment needs for teaching Site Staff - Cleaners To provide a clean and tidy environment for the children Clean classrooms Cook To provide the children with hot, fresh meals each day Cook healthy meals Caretaker To maintain and look after the school premises Carry out any maintenance within the school WORKING WITH OTHER EXTERNAL PROFESSIONALS