A School Governors Guide to the Law

This publication is a guide to the law to help you be an effective governor. It is intended to be used as a reference book for when you need advice. School governing bodies are created by law and their roles and responsibilities are set out in law.

All school governors should know and understand their roles and legal responsibilities and how these fit in with the responsibilities of the head teacher, the Local Authority and the Welsh Government, and other parties such as diocesan authorities and foundations, where applicable.

Information on Recent Updates
May 2010
July 2010
December 2010
April 2011
October 2012 – Chapter 09 – This chapter has extensive changes – The previous chapter should be replaced by the new chapter found here

Guide Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Governing Bodies. Their Powers, Duties and Relationships
3. Governing Body Constitution
4. Governing Body Procedures and Meetings
5. The Annual Report and Annual Meeting with Parents
6. Providing Information
7. Support and Training for Governors
8. Managing the Budget
9. Equal Opportunities and School Governors
10. Staffing
11. The Curriculum
12. Complaints and Whistleblowing
13. Children with Additional Learning Needs
14. Admissions
15. Behaviour and Attendance
16. School Uniform and Appearance Policies
17. Charging for School Activities
18. School Premises and Capital Investment
19. Organisational Changes to the School
20. New Schools and Temporary Governing Bodies
21. Collaboration and Federation
22. The School Year and Session Times
23. Inspection
24. Schools Causing Concern and Interim Executive Boards
25. Health, Safety and Welfare
26. Control and Community Use of School Premises
27. Community Focused Schools

Annex

1. Policies and other documents that governing bodies are required to have
2. Useful Addresses
3. Glossary
4. Index