Service FAQ questions
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What is Local Management of Schools?
Under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) scheme, the Authority delegates control of a school's budget to the Governing Body of the school. Individual governing bodies are then free to manage the budget of the school, within a framework, to achieve the aims and objectives as published in the school's prospectus.
What are the rules on school uniform?
School governing bodies are responsible for deciding whether their school should have a uniform policy and what it should be. The head teacher's role is to ensure pupils comply with the uniform policy agreed by the governing body. Parents should raise any complaints about school uniform/dress codes with the headteacher first, and, if not satisfied, then with the governing body of their school.
What if my child is prescribed medicine that needs to be taken during the school day?
Each school will have a policy for ensuring that pupils with medical needs receive proper care and support at school. Parents are responsible for their child's medication and the headteacher is normally responsible for deciding whether the school can assist a pupil who needs medication. There is no legal duty requiring school staff to administer medication - this is a voluntary role. School staff will not administer medication without first receiving appropriate information and/or training. Bromley Local Authority follows the Department for Children, Schools and Families good practice guidelines on this subject and more information can be found on the
Directgov part of their website.
Does my child have to study sex education at school?
Schools are required to have a policy for Sex and Relationship Education (SRE), explaining how SRE is provided. It is recommended that all schools offer age-appropriate SRE as part of a broader programme of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). The policy will also explain on what basis parents may withdraw their child from SRE. Parents may not withdraw their child from Science lessons which are compulsory.
What are Key Stages?
Statutory schooling is divided into Key Stages.
- Key Stage 1 relates to school years 1 and 2 - pupils aged 5 - 7 - at infant or primary schools;
- Key Stage 2 relates to school years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 - pupils aged 7-11 - at junior or primary schools;
- Key Stage 3 relates to school years 7, 8 and 9 - pupils aged 11-14 - at secondary schools; and
- Key Stage 4 relates to school years 10 and 11 - pupils aged 14-16 - at secondary schools.
In addition, there is now a formal curriculum covering the Foundation Stage, which relates to all provision up to and including the Reception Year (Year R). There is also clear guidance covering the provision that schools and colleges can provide after the age of 16. This is sometimes referred to as Post-16 provision.
Why must my child take tests at certain ages/Key Stages?
Although teachers will continuously monitor the progress of their pupils, schools are required to formally assess attainment at the end of each Key Stage. These tests are often referred to as SATs. At the end of Key Stage 1 pupils are assessed by their teachers and sit tests in English and Mathematics. At the end of Key Stage 2 pupils will sit national tests in English, Mathematics and, at this stage, Science. At the end of Key Stage 4 pupils can take public examinations set by national examining bodies such as GCSEs.
What is the National Curriculum?
The National Curriculum sets out the most important knowledge and skills that every child has a right to learn and is used by schools to ensure that teaching is consistent throughout the country. Schools must teach the compulsory National Curriculum subjects to all pupils of statutory school age (see Curriculum guide at www.parentscentre.gov.uk and also www.direct.gov.uk.
Who is responsible for the safety of pupils on a school trip?
The management of health and safety on
educational visits is part of a school's overall policy on health and safety. The Department for Children, Schools and Families publishes a good practice guide and the Local Authority issues guidance to schools. The actual number of adults to young people will be arrived at by careful consideration of the programme and proposed activities.