Policies

Co-Head Teacher Guidance

Leave of Absence Policy and Guidance

This policy sets out the school’s approach for dealing with requests for leave of absence and employees entitlements to paid or unpaid leave. It does not form part of employees' terms and conditions of employment and therefore may be subject to change at the discretion of each school’s Local Governing Body.

Absent Head Teacher Policy

Allegations of Abuse Against Staff Policy

This is statutory guidance from the Department for Education. Schools, local authorities and FE colleges should have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to handling allegations against teachers and other staff.

Amplification Policy

This policy is an amplification of the School Pay and Conditions' Order.

Appeals' Policy

 This procedure should be followed where an employee indicates that they wish appeal against a decision to implement a sanction, such as a final written warning or a dismissal as a result of a formal HR process. 

Attendance Management Policy

The purpose of the Attendance Management Policy is to provide a supportive framework where a shortfall in attendance has been identified, in order to assist employees to improve, reach and maintain the standard of attendance expected within their area of work.

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Capability Policy

This policy applies to all staff employed by Symphony Learning Trust. Each academy within the trust will ensure they have effectively carried out performance management and have provided sufficient opportunities and support for the employee to reach the required standard before progressing to the capability policy. 

Career Break Policy

Changing Terms & Conditions of Employment Guidance

Close Personal Relationships' Policy

The Local Government Code of Conduct states: 
“In order to avoid any possible accusations of bias, employees should not be involved in an appointment where they are related to an applicant, or have a close personal relationship outside work with him/her.  Similarly employees should not be involved in decisions relating to discipline, promotion or pay adjustments for any other employee who is a relative, partner, etc.” 
The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with the above provision and to prevent other problems which may arise from the employment of people in close personal relationships.  The policy aims to promote an open and flexible approach to the management of such situations.

Consultancy Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set out how Symphony Learning Trust works with Consultants providing services to the other Trusts and/or other Academies/Local Authority maintained schools and how the Trust supports other organisations as Consultants.

Dignity at Work Policy

 Symphony Learning Trust is committed to promoting an environment where staff can work without fear of being intimidated, harassed, victimised or bullied (hereafter referred to as “harassment/bullying”). 
All staff employed by the Trust have a responsibility to treat colleagues with dignity and respect, irrespective of: sex; race; nationality; ethnic or national origin; marital status; age; disability; sexual orientation; political or religious belief; membership (or non-membership) of a trade union; real or suspected HIV/AIDS; their state of physical/mental health or perceived state of physical/mental health; appearance; unrelated criminal conviction; etc1. 
The local governing body of each school within the trust will address and endeavour to eliminate harassment/bullying at work by: 

• Promoting a positive working environment where everyone treats each other with respect;
•  Ensuring allegations of harassment/bullying are fully investigated in a sympathetic and positive manner;
•  Use of appropriate procedure(s), such as disciplinary;
•  Providing access to confidential support and counselling services. 

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to enable any member of staff who believes they are subject to harassment/bullying to have their concerns addressed. 

Disciplinary Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees achieve and maintain satisfactory standards of conduct and behaviour.  It also provides a fair and consistent method of dealing with alleged failures to observe these standards. 

Employees Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all employees working in Symphony Learning Trust. For the purpose of this Code, reference to employees also includes workers and agency workers. It is intended as a guide to assist all those working within this Trust understand and comply with the Trust’s expectations in terms of their standard of conduct and behaviour.  All employees are expected to adhere to the principles contained within this Code during the course of their work and/or when representing their Trust/ academy or the Trust.

Family Leave and Pay Policy

This policy has been developed recognising statutory requirements covering maternity, paternity and adoption provisions, as well as the wider issues concerning working families, such as parental leave provisions. The policy identifies employees’ entitlements to maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave.  

Fixed Term Contracts Policy

Flexible Working Policy

Under the Flexible Working Regulations, an employee can request to change:

• The number of hours they work
• The times that they work; and/or
• Their place of work (i.e. to work from home, as long as where the duties of the job will permit this type of working).

The request could be, for example, to work on a part-time or job share basis, have a shorter working week, or permission to work from home during part of their working week.  
 

Grievance Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework to assist employees to raise individual or collective complaints and to have those complaints resolved quickly, fairly and where appropriate as informally as possible. Wherever possible, the primary aim of the policy is to facilitate the repair of working relationships.

Long Service Award Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline the long service award initiative, the application of it, eligibility criteria and to identify the available options for issuing the award to eligible employees.

Organisational Change Policy

This policy sets out the approach that schools/academies within the Symphony Learning Trust will take when dealing with potential redundancies. It does not form part of employees’ terms and conditions of employment and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Trustees.

Performance Management Policy

This policy sets out the framework for a clear and consistent assessment of the overall performance of Teachers and Support Staff, for supporting their development within the context of the school/academy’s development plan for improving educational provision and performance, and the standards expected of all Teachers and Support Staff. The Performance Management policy will also be used to address any concerns that are raised about an employee’s performance. If concerns are such that they cannot be resolved through the performance management process, there will be consideration of whether to commence the capability policy.

Probation Policy (Support Staff)

The purpose of the probation policy is to ensure that all new employees have the opportunity to become familiar with the main duties and tasks of their post and to demonstrate that they meet the appropriate standard of performance, behaviour and attendance expected of them. It also gives the executive head teacher/head teacher the opportunity to assess a new employee's suitability for the role they have been appointed to.

Procedure for Therapeutic Return to Work

This document is an annex to, and must be used in conjunction with, the Attendance Management Policy, and applies to all staff employed by Symphony Learning Trust.

Professional Development Policy

Symphony Learning Trust  schools/academies are “learning communities” where everyone is involved in a continuous process of improvement and enrichment. The schools/academies are committed to fostering a positive climate for continuous learning amongst their communities. Professional Development is the means by which schools/academies are able to motivate and develop their community and this is integral to the school improvement plans. It does so at a variety of levels – individual, team, whole school and through wider networks with an emphasis on collaborative learning.

Safer Recruitment Policy

The safe recruitment of staff in Symphony Learning Trust schools/academies is the first step to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in education. All schools in Symphony Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is recognised that this can only be achieved through sound procedures, good interagency co-operation and the recruitment and retention of competent, motivated employees who are suited to and fulfilled in the roles they undertake. It is also understood that sound recruitment procedures help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children.

Social Media Policy

The primary purpose of this policy is to clarify how employees should conduct themselves when using all forms of social networking websites and blogs, whether conducted through their school’s media, personal media and in work time or in one’s own time.

Support Staff Pay Policy

This policy aims to ensure that all procedures for determining pay are consistent with the principles of public life: objectivity, openness and accountability. The policy should also make clear the school’s compliance with School Staffing Regulations 2009, the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation. The policy applies to support staff whose terms and conditions fall under the terms of the National Joint Council for Local Government Services.

Teachers' Pay Policy

This policy sets out the framework for making decisions on teacher’s pay in all academies and schools within Symphony Learning Trust.  It has been developed to comply with current legislation and the requirements of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) currently in force and applies to all teachers employed by the Symphony Learning Trust.. It has been developed to comply with current legislation and the requirements of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) 20118/19 ‘The Document’, and has been consulted on with staff and/or the recognised trade unions. 

Whistleblowing Policy

Symphony Learning Trust  is committed to the highest standards of openness, honesty and accountability. It encourages employees to raise promptly any serious concerns they may have about the activities of staff, governors, or external organisations in relation to their dealings with the Schools within SLT. This policy enables employees to raise their concerns and to receive feedback about the outcome of any ensuing investigation but not the detail of the investigation nor any actions taken. It  allows employees to take the matter further if they are dissatisfied with the response and protects employees from reprisals or victimisation for ‘whistleblowing’ made in good faith.

Admissions Appeal Policy

This guidance is intended to be read alongside the admission appeal form to provide parents with guidance in completing the appeal form and information relating to the admission appeal process. The guidance applies primarily to appeals against the decision of the local authority to admit a child to a school however, some information is also included which will be applicable to appeals against the decision of a local governing body academy not to admit a child.

British Values' Policy

In 2011, the Government set out its definition of British values in the Prevent Strategy, and these values were further reiterated in 2014. The DfE have further reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” Across the schools of the Symphony Learning Trust,these values are reinforced regularly and in the ways set out in this policy.

Business Continuity ( incorporating Critical Incidents) Policy

The schools within the Symphony Learning Trust are exposed to a large number of events, or critical incidents, which have the potential to cause major disruption to our services.  Although such events are rare, it is important that we have in place plans to help us manage and recover from these situations as they arise.  Not only is this good practice, it is also considered essential for an organisation responsible for delivering high quality education to the community.

Charging and Remissions' Policy

The aim of this policy is to set out what charges will be levied for activities, what remissions will be implemented and the circumstances under which voluntary contributions will be requested from parents

Children In Care Policy

In Symphony Learning Trust, we believe that all Children in Care should have equitable access to excellent educational provision and achieve at a similar level to all Leicestershire children. 
We recognise that nationally there is considerable educational underachievement of children in residential and foster care, when compared with their peers. All staff and governors are committed to ensuring improved educational life chances of Children in Care.

Code of Conduct for Trustees and Local Governors' Policy

This code sets out the expectations of and commitment required from local school governors, trustees and members in order for Symphony Learning Trust to properly carry out its work within the school/s and the community. 

Complaints Policy

We believe that our trust provides a good education for all our children, and that the Head teachers, Heads of School and other staff work very hard to build positive relationships with all parents. However, the trust is obliged to have procedures in place in case there are complaints by parents or other parties.   If any parent/guardian is unhappy with the education that their child is receiving, or has any concern relating to the trust, we encourage that person to talk to the child’s class teacher immediately.  We deal with all complaints in compliance with guidance/regulation set out by the Department for Education, The Education Funding Agency (EFA) and The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2010. This policy will be used across each academy/school within Symphony Learning Trust for all complaints from parents/guardians or other parties. A copy of the complaints’ procedure is available from the school in a hard copy form (on request) and on each schools’ websites and in prospectuses and other information shared with parents when children start new to the school.

Confidentiality Policy

All schools within SLT are asked on occasions to keep information confidential.  This can relate to a variety of issues and it is important that all schools follow the same clear and explicit policy.  Pupils, parents and carers should be made aware of this and how it works in practice. 

Continence and Intimate Care Policy

 Symphony Learning Trust is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate care of children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. It is acknowledged that these adults are in a position of great trust. We also recognise that there is a need to treat all children, whatever their age, gender, disability, religion or ethnicity, with respect when intimate care is given. The child's welfare and dignity is of paramount importance. Staff will work in close partnership with parent/carers to share information and provide continuity of care.

E Safety Policy

The schools in Symphony Learning Trust are committed to ensuring that all its pupils will be able to use existing, as well as up and coming technologies safely. We are also committed to ensuring that all those who work with children and young people, as well as their parents, are educated as to the dangers that exist so that they can take an active part in safeguarding them.  
 

Educational Visits' Policy

This policy covers the procedures for planning and executing educational across the schools in the Symphony Learning Trust .Throughout the Symphony Learning Trust, we believe that outdoor learning has equal value to learning inside the classroom. The outdoor environment has unique and exciting characteristics that promote (amongst others) imagination, enjoyment, confidence, resourcefulness, co-operation and healthy living. 

Equal Opportunities' Statement

Symphony Learning Trust is committed to equal opportunities in both the delivery of services and employment.  The Trust’s principles are set out in the policy statement, and a separate document, “Equal Opportunities in Employment: Guide to Good Practice”, provides practical guidance on the implementation of this policy in the area of employment

Exclusion Policy

This policy is designed to briefly outline the school’s approach to exclusions within the statutory framework as defined in the The School Discipline (Pupil Exclusions and Reviews) (England) Regulations 2012. It outlines only where the school applies its own additional guidance and policies, which complement and reinforce the statutory guidance, for purposes of clarity in the day-to-day operation of the school. 

Expenses' Policy

Staff/volunteers may claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred wholly, necessarily and exclusively in the course of the Symphony Learning Trust and Academies/ Schools' business. These may arise from SLT staff/volunteers attending meetings, training or conferences, or purchases made on the Trust’s behalf. 
 

Financial and Accounting Policy

The purpose of this manual is to ensure that the Symphony Learning Trust and each of its constituent academies/schools maintains and develops systems of financial control which conform to the requirements both of propriety and or good financial management.  It is essential that these systems operate properly to meet the requirements of our funding agreement with the Department for Education (DfE). 

GDPR Policy

Our schools aim to ensure that all data collected about staff, pupils, parents and visitors is collected, stored and processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the expected provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) as set out in the Data Protection Bill. This policy applies to all personal data, regardless of whether it is in paper or electronic format.

Governor and Trustees Expenses

 Members of a school’s local governing body are all volunteers, as are the Directors (trustees) and Members of Symphony Learning Trust. They give their time, expertise, skills, enthusiasm and support for the benefit of the pupils, staff and parents of the school/ Trust with which they are linked. Their effectiveness is improved and increased through training and meetings with others in similar situations. They take on a wide range of important responsibilities and make important decisions about the education of the children with which they are linked. It is accepted that, in fulfilling these responsibilities, Trustees, Members and Local Governors will sometimes incur expenses, and that it is reasonable to offer to reimburse them appropriately.

Governors' Expenses Policy

Members of a school’s local governing body are all volunteers. They give their time, expertise, skills, enthusiasm and support for the benefit of the pupils, staff and parents of the school with which they are linked. Their effectiveness is improved and increased through training and meetings with others in similar situations. Governors will sometimes incur expenses, and it is reasonable to offer to reimburse Governors appropriately.

I.T Acceptable Use Policy for pupils

This Acceptable Use Policy is intended to ensure  that pupils will be safe and responsible users of the internet and other digital technologies and that school ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse.

I.T Acceptable Use Policy for staff and volunteers

This Acceptable Use Policy is intended to ensure that staff and volunteers will be safe and responsible users of the internet and other digital technologies and that school ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse.

I.T Acceptable Use Policy for trustees and LBGs

This Acceptable Use Policy is intended to ensure that Local Governors and Trustees will be safe and responsible users of the internet and other digital technologies and  that school ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse.

Records' Management and Retention Policy

The Trust recognises that by efficiently managing its records, it will be able to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations and to contribute to the effective overall management of the institution. Records provide evidence for protecting the legal rights and interests of the schools/academies within the Trust, and provide evidence for demonstrating performance and accountability. This document provides the policy framework through which this effective management can be achieved and audited.

Risk Management Policy

This policy sets out the key principles underpinning the trust’s approach to risk management; documents roles and responsibilities. It outlines key aspects of the risk management process and identifies reporting procedures.

Safeguarding Policy

This generic policy is for each school in SLT to adapt and adopt by its LGB

Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions' Policy

The Board of Trustees and staff of each school in the Symphony Learning Trust wish to ensure that pupils with medical needs receive appropriate care and support at their school. Each Exectutive Head teacher/ Head teacher will accept responsibility for members of staff giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day.