02 August, 2006 - Minister Hanafin launches policy templates aimed at reducing administrative burden on post-primary schools

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today announced the publication of policy templates for post-primary schools on the Department of Education and Science website.  "In recent years, increasing demands have been placed on schools as a result of statutory and regulatory requirements and the publication of these templates will assist schools in meeting these demands" said Minister Hanafin. In launching the five policy templates involved, the Minster said 'I have been conscious for some time of the need to reduce the administrative burden on schools by supporting them in preparing policies to meet a range of legislative and regulatory requirements.  The publication of these templates for post-primary schools forms part of my Department's ongoing efforts in this area.'The initial focus of this Project is on five key areas: Anti-Bullying Child Protection Guidance Plan Internet Safety: Acceptable Use Policy Substance Use. The templates use standard headings and include prompts to assist schools in developing policy content. In addition to the templates, the following support materials are being provided for each policy area: a list of the steps to be undertaken in developing the policy the latest published guidelines, where applicable relevant resources, including website links, which schools may find of assistance in developing and implementing the policy a sample of an existing policy, where available/applicable. Schools are required to prepare a number of policy documents to support their day-to-day management and operation. These policy documents form an important element of the overall school development plan. Speaking about the first five policy templates being published on the Department's website today Minister Hanafin said "compiling an anti-bullying policy is an issue that everyone in the school community will identify as a priority and is something that wider society must also address.  What everyone wants to see within a school is a stable, secure learning environment.  Addressing bullying behaviour in a positive and firm way is one of the key actions a school can take in supporting all students to develop their full potential.Child protection is a major concern for everyone within the education sector. Schools have a particularly important role in providing their students with high standards of care in order to promote their well being and protect them from harm.  For example, this week's survey on Internet usage amongst our young people outlined hidden dangers for those accessing and communicating through the web.  Access to 'social networking sites' is blocked in schools to prevent time wasting.  But with increasing numbers of people using ICTs and the web it is vital that schools draw up and commit users to an acceptable use policy along the lines of the policy template." Minister Hanafin said another policy template published today is in the vital area of producing a Guidance Plan.  "The Guidance process can help students understand the vast range of opportunities that are available for them and is something that should start from their 1st year in post primary school, to ensure they are making the right subject choices for their future needs. A Guidance Plan supports schools in enabling students to develop an awareness and acceptance of their talents and abilities and to make informed choices about their lives and follow through on these choices."While much of the information involved is already published or available from existing sources, this Project collates and integrates it into a standard framework, including templates, to assist schools in streamlining the policy development process. The templates provided are not prescriptive and it is very important that a school's policies should take account of the specific circumstances and environment in which each school operates.It is intended to continue to develop these resources on an ongoing basis, and in this regard, policy areas to be prioritised during the next phase of this project will include Equality, Health and Safety and Data Protection. Feedback from the education partners will also inform the next stage of development. Minister Hanafin welcomed the work of the Project, saying 'I believe that schools will find these five templates to be of real benefit to them. What schools need to do now is to compile all the relevant policies that are required, or review where appropriate, those that may already have been drawn up, in consultation with students, parents, teachers and the wider school community. We intend to continue working with the education partners to produce further support materials which will contribute to easing the administrative burden on schools.'The five policy templates and accompanying support information can be accessed via Post Primary School PoliciesENDS