Policy for Non-Provided Schools.

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A decision made (05/02/2007) regarding: Policy for Non-Provided Schools.

Subject:	Policy for Non-Provided Schools
Decision Reference:	MD-ESC-2007-0007	Exempt clause(s):		n/a
Type of Report (oral or written):	Written	Person Giving Report (if oral):		n/a
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	n/a	Report File ref:		ESC/Governance/Ministerial Government/Ministerial reports/20070116 Report funding for non-provided schools.
Written Report – Title:	Policy for Non-Provided Schools	Written report – Author:		Director for Education, Sport and Culture
Decision(s): The Minister approves the arrangements for the advance of financial assistance to non-provided schools, as set out in the document titled “States of Jersey Department for Education, Sport and Culture Policy for Non-Provided Schools”, dated January 2007 and, in particular: a) the nature and extent of any assistance to be given; b) the circumstances in which and the conditions subject to which assistance may be given; c) the procedures relating to the giving of any assistance. In approving the policy, the Minister has determined that: · financial assistance will be given to non-provided schools where there are not fewer than 100 pupils of compulsory school age (as defined at Article 2 of the Education (Jersey) Law 1999) and those over compulsory school age where the pupil is following a full-time course, as approved by the Department for Education, Sport and Culture, leading to a recognised qualification; · to be eligible for this financial assistance, the school must comply with the conditions and standards set out in the Policy.
Reason(s) for decision: Under Article 45 of the Education (Jersey) Law (1999), the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture may, by Order, make provision for the advance of financial or other assistance to non-provided schools. As an alternative to making an Order, the Minister may, by Ministerial Decision, approve Policy in respect of the arrangements for the registration, support and guidance for non-provided schools. The Policy, which has been approved by the Minister, brings together (subject to amendments relating to the number on roll and definition of pupil, as detailed above), that which was confirmed by the former Education Committee in 2000, as amended in 2003 and various guidelines that have been prepared by the Department for Education, Sport and Culture in support of the Policy. This decision has no manpower or financial implications.
Action required: Publish the policy document on the Department’s web-site and circulate printed copies to non-provided schools which are currently in receipt of financial assistance.
Signature:			Date of Decision: 5 February 2007

Policy for Non-Provided Schools.

Education, Sport and Culture Department Report to Minister
Subject:	Funding of Non-Provided Schools
Exempt Clause:	N/A	Date:	16th January 2007

Author:	Director of Education, Sport and Culture

Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this report is to recommend to the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, revised arrangements for providing financial assistant to non-provided schools.

1.2 Non-Provided Schools are schools ‘registered in accordance with Article 40 of the Education (Jersey) Law 1999’ (the Law) , namely:

· Beaulieu Convent Primary School

· Beaulieu Convent Secondary School

· De La Salle College – Primary

· De La Salle College – Secondary

· FCJ Primary School

· St George’s Preparatory School

· St Michael’s Preparatory School

· Helvetia House*

· St Christopher’s*

(*not currently in receipt of a grant)

Statutory Provision

2.1 Under Article 45 of the Law, ‘….the Minister may by Order make provision with respect to the advance of financial or other assistance to non-provided schools and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing:-

a) the nature and extent of any assistance to be given;

b) the circumstances in which and the conditions subject to

which assistance may be given; and

c) any procedure relating to the giving of assistance.’

2.2 In 2000, advice from the Law Draftsman confirmed that making an Order was not necessary and would be inappropriate if the Committee wished to exercise flexibility or discretion in the level of financial assistance and suggested that a Committee policy might be a more appropriate approach.

In accordance with this advice, the Committee confirmed its policy in 2000, subsequently agreeing an amendment in April 2003 which related to the funding of primary non-provided schools.

Since that date, various guidelines have been produced from time to time but these have not previously been consolidated in a single document..

The attached document entitled ‘Department for Education, Sport and Culture – Policy for Non-Provided Schools’, which incorporates a series of amendments relating to the introduction of Ministerial Government, incorporates all elements of the policy and procedures relating to non-provided paying schools.

Recommendation

3.1 The Minister is recommended to approve the Policy and Procedures in respect of Non-Provided Schools as set out in the attached document.

3.2 To note the amendment to the required conditions for financial support as set out at Paragraphs 2.1 and 3.1 of the attached document. These apply to the age and number of pupils determining eligibility for financial assistance.

States of Jersey

Department for Education, Sport and Culture

Policy for Non-Provided Schools

1: Statutory Provision

1.1. Under Article 45 of the Education (Jersey) Law (1999) (The Law), the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture may by Order make provision for the advance of financial or other assistance to non-provided schools and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing:-

a) the nature and extent of any assistance to be given;

b) the circumstances in which and the conditions subject to which assistance may be given; and

c) any procedure relating to the giving of assistance.

1.2 As an alternative to making an Order, the Minister may, by Ministerial Decision, approve policy in respect of the arrangements for registration, support and guidance for non-provided schools, which, in accordance with a Ministerial Decision, dated 5th February 2007 is contained within this document.

2: The Nature and Extent of Assistance

2.1 Financial assistance shall be made to support all pupils of compulsory school age (as defined at Article 2 of the Law) and those over compulsory school age where the pupil is following a full-time course, as approved by the Department for Education, Sport and Culture (the Department), leading to a recognised qualification, whose names are inscribed on the register of the school on the third Friday in January in the year in which an application for a grant is made.

2.2 The amount of grant in any year will be based on the Department’s Policy at the time, currently:

· 50% of the cost of educating a pupil in a provided secondary school;

· 25% of the cost of educating a pupil in a provided primary school

· up to 40% of the cost of education a pupil in a provided primary school when the school is only providing for the primary phase of education and can demonstrate financial difficulty.

3: The circumstances in which, and subject to which, assistance may be given

3.1 Financial assistance will be given to non-provided schools where there fewer than 100 pupils as defined at Para 2.1.

3.2 Any school in receipt of financial assistance shall comply with such conditions as the Minister may impose in order to exercise his functions under the Law and, in particular Part Vll (Articles 38-44) of the Law.

4: Procedures Relating to the Giving of Assistance

4.1 Every application for financial assistance must be made to the Department in the month of January of the year when the assistance is required.

4.2 Applications for financial assistance must be in the form, and supported by full information, as the Department may require.

4.3 Any non-provided school in receipt of financial assistance from the Department must keep records, information and returns that the Department may have access to when required.

5: Registration of Non-Provided Schools

Framework

5.1 Initial approval and registration:

(a) The proprietors of new schools are required to gain approval and registration before admitting pupils.

(b) Any changes in the status of the school, for example extending the age range of pupils, requires approval and amendment of the terms of registration.

(c) Initial approval and registration requires judgement being made on behalf of the Minister as defined in Part 6: ‘Standards for Non-Provided Schools’.

5.2 Periodic monitoring of provisions and standards

(a) Periodic monitoring visits similar to those in provided schools will be undertaken by the Department’s representative. In addition to checking the continued suitability of the basic features required to allow registration to continue, monitoring will examine the quality of the education being provided, including the staffing, the quality of the teaching, and the standards being achieved by the school, including the academic and personal progress being made by the pupils. Such monitoring visits will be in addition to any regular programmes of visits made by other bodies, such as the Fire Service or Health and Social Services.

(b) Monitoring visits will be followed by a letter from the Department’s representative setting out findings, any action required and the time period for any improvements to be carried out. Such a letter could also be triggered by the findings of any other relevant body such as the Fire Service.

6: Standards for Non-Provided Schools

6.1 Quality of education provided

6.1.1 The quality of education provided by the school meets the standard if the requirements in sub-paragraphs (6.1.2) to (6.1.5) are met.

6.1.2 The school shall draw-up and implement effectively a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for:-

a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age, which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education:

b) subject matter appropriate for the ages and aptitudes of pupils, including those pupils with a statement of special educational needs;

c) pupils to acquire skills in speaking and listening, literacy and numeracy skills;

d) Personal, Social and Health Education which reflects the school’s aims and ethos;

e) appropriate careers guidance for pupils receiving secondary education;

f) Where the school has pupils above or below compulsory school age, a programme of activities which is appropriate to their needs;

g) all pupils to have the opportunity to learn and make progress; and

h) adequate preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

6.1.3 The teaching at the school shall –

a) enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and make progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught;

b) foster in pupils the application of intellectual, physical or creative effort, interest in their work, and the ability to think and learn for themselves;

c) involve well planned lessons, effective teaching methods, suitable activities and wise management of class time;

d) show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensure these are taken into account in the planning of lessons;

e) demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught;

f) utilise effectively classroom resources of an adequate quality, quantity and range;

g) demonstrate that a framework is in place to assess pupils’ work regularly and thoroughly and use information from that assessment to plan teaching so that pupils can progress; and

h) encourage pupils to behave responsibly.

6.1.4 The school shall have in place a framework for pupils performance to be evaluated.

6.1.5 The school shall provide an education which enables all pupils within a class to make progress.

6.2 Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

6.2.1 The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school meets the standard if the school promotes principles which –

a) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence;

b) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the law;

c) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute to community life;

d) provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of public institutions and services in Jersey; and

e) assist pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures in a way that promotes tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions.

6.3 Welfare, health and safety of pupils

6.3.1 The welfare, health and safety of pupils at the school meets the standard if the requirements in sub-paragraphs (6.3.2) to (6.3.6) are met.

6.3.2 The school shall draw up and implement effectively a written policy to –

a) prevent bullying, which has regard to the guidance published by the Department for Education Sport and Culture.

b) safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are pupils at the school which complies with guidance published by the Department for Education Sport and Culture.

c) safeguard and promote the health and safety of pupils on activities outside the school, which has regard to guidance published by the Department for Education Sport and Culture.

d) promote good behaviour amongst pupils and set out the sanctions to be adopted in the event of pupil misbehaviour.

The school shall have a satisfactory level of fire safety, to be confirmed by the States of Jersey Fire Service.

6.3.3 The school shall have and implement a satisfactory policy on First Aid.

6.3.4 School staff shall be deployed to ensure the proper supervision of pupils.

6.3.5 The school shall keep a record of the sanctions imposed upon pupils for serious disciplinary offences.

6.3.6 The school shall maintain an admission and attendance register.

6.4 Suitability of proprietors and staff

6.4.1 The suitability of the proprietor and staff at the school meets the standard if –

a) the proprietor and all staff are subject to such checks as determined by the Department for Education Sport and Culture for teachers and other staff in provided schools.

b) prior to confirmation of their appointment, appropriate checks are carried out on staff to confirm their identity, medical fitness, previous employment history, character references, and where appropriate, qualifications and professional references, and that information is taken into account in determining whether an appointment is confirmed.

6.5 Premises of and accommodation of schools

6.5.1 The premises of and accommodation at the school meet the standard if –

a) there are adequate systems for the supply of services such as water and electricity;

b) there is an adequate drainage system for hygienic purposes and the disposal of waste water and surface water;

c) the school has adequate security arrangements for the grounds and buildings;

d) the school buildings are appropriately constructed and maintained;

e) there is sufficient access so that emergency evacuations can be accomplished safely for all pupils;

f) access to the school allows all pupils, including those

with special needs, to enter and leave the school in

safety and comfort;

g) having regard to the number, age and needs of pupils, classroom are appropriate in size to allow effective teaching, and do not compromise health or safety;

h) there are sufficient washrooms for staff and pupils,

i) there are appropriate facilities for pupils who are ill;

j) where food is served, there are adequate facilities for its hygienic preparation, serving and consumption;

k) classrooms and other parts of the school are maintained in a tidy, clean and hygienic state;

l) sound insulation and acoustics allow effective teaching and communication;

m) lighting, heating and ventilation in classrooms and other parts of the school are satisfactory;

n) there is a satisfactory standard and adequate maintenance of decoration;

o) the furniture and fittings are appropriately designed for the age and needs of all pupils registered at the school;

p) there is appropriate flooring in good condition;

q) there are appropriate arrangements for providing outside space for pupils to play safely.

6.6. Provision of information

6.6.1 The provision of information by the school meets the standard if the requirements in sub-paragraphs (6.6.2) to (6.6.4) are met.

6.6.2 The school shall provide to parents of pupils and of prospective pupils and on request to the Director of Education, Sport and Culture

a) the school’s address and telephone number, and the name of the head teacher;

b) either –

i) where the proprietor is an individual, his full name,

usual residential address and telephone number,

ii) where the proprietor is a corporation, the address

and telephone number of its registered or

principal office;

c) where there is a governing body, the name and address of its Chair;

d) a statement of the school’s ethos (including any religious ethos) and aims;

e) particulars of the school’s policy on and arrangements for admissions, discipline and exclusions;

6.6.3 Unless otherwise agreed with any parent, the school shall send to the parents of each registered pupil an annual written report of his progress and of his attainment in the main subject areas taught.

6.6.4 The school shall provide any person undertaking an inspection on behalf of DfESC with-

a) any information reasonably requested in connection with it that it is necessary for the purposes of the inspection; and

b) access to the school’s admission and attendance registers.

States of Jersey

Department for Education, Sport and Culture

Policy for Non-Provided Schools

January 2007

Version 2 : Presented to Ministerial Team Meeting : 22nd January 2007