Government begins consultation on pupil and parent guarantees

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has published its consultation document on the form and wording of the Parent and Pupil Guarantees, which are set to be introduced in September 2011.

The guarantees form part of the Children, Schools and Families Bill currently going through Parliament and are intended to both ensure that  parents and pupils know what they can expect from schools and set out the responsibilities owed to schools by parents and pupils.

The guarantees will backed up through legislation to enforce Home-school agreements (HSAs) between schools and parents.

The Pupil Guarantee focuses on the following five areas:

• The promotion of good behaviour, strong discipline, order and safety
• That pupils are taught a broad, balanced and flexible curriculum where they acquire skills for learning and life
• That children are taught in a way that meets their needs, where their progress is regularly checked and where particular needs are identified early and quickly addressed
• That pupils take part in sporting and cultural activities
• That the health and well-being of pupils are promoted, that they are able to express their views and that both they and their families are welcomed and valued.

The parent guarantee is intended to ensure that parents:

• Have opportunities, information and support to exercise choice with and on behalf of their child
• Have a Home School Agreement outlining their rights and responsibilities, and those of the school, for their child's schooling;
• Have the opportunity, information and support they need to be engaged in their child's learning and development;
• Have access to a variety of activities, facilities and services, including support and advice with regard to parenting.

The consultation period ends on April 5th. The consultation document can be accessed by clicking here.