Schools as Organisations 6

Roles and responsibilities of national and local government for education policy and practice

The Department for Education is responsible for education and children’s services. It includes setting the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

These documents are implemented by schools and nurseries; therefore it is also the Department of Education’s task is to develop the quality of service available to children. It means the realisations of the five outcomes of “Every Child Matters”: enjoy and achieve, stay safe, be healthy, achieve economic well-being, make a positive contribution.

Other roles and responsibilities of the Department of Education includes funding research into education based projects concerning children and young people and developing Workforce Reform such as the 2020 Children’s Workforce Strategy.

The Local Government has the responsibility to provide services to all the schools in the community. The Local Education Authority is responsible for promoting community cohesion, dealing with school management issues and behaviour management, the development of school policies, staff training and development and special educational needs.

Local Authorities have to create documents detailing their aims, vision and boundaries; and also policies that provide a framework for schools in the community. LEAs often employ specialist advisers for different aspects of the curriculum and experts for pupils with challenging behaviour and special educational needs. It is also the LEAs responsibility to inform the schools in the community about changes in the education policy and provide extra training within the area of changes. (SilkySteps Forum)

Role of schools in national policies relating to children, young people and families

Each school is responsible for being up to date with all the current policies which are introduced to protect children, young people and their families. Furthermore, they are expected to have their own policies in place relating to child protection, safeguarding and educational standards. These policies have to meet the expected national requirements set by Ofsted inspections, and also have to follow the LEA guidelines. (SilkySteps Forum)

Roles of other organisations working with children and young people and how these may impact on the work of schools

There is an extensive range of organisations that can support the school’s work with children and young people who have different special educational needs or disabilities. These organisations and the school work together as a team and share their knowledge and experiences to achieve the best interest of children and young people. In this co-operation both the policies of the school and those of the relevant external organisation have to be taken into account.

Social Services provide protection to children who might be at risk of abuse and assist the school in dealing with this sensitive situation by gathering information for court reasons.

The work of the Children’s Services is based on the five outcomes of framework “Every Child Matters”. Professionals of different areas are included in the organisations work: education, health, early years, child care and social services.

Youth Services work with secondary schools, and involves in the training and provision of young people from the age of 14 and beyond.

Speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists etc. all work for the National Health Services, providing specialised care for pupils with SEN or disabilities. (SilkySteps Forum)

External sources

Silkysteps Forum. Accessed 10/02/2014.
http://www.silkysteps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15207