Policy Writing
From our work in schools in recent years we are often asked for guidance on what 'should' be in policies in schools. Obviously each school will have it's own particular needs and requirements and therefore to provide a policy and issue it to schools would be irresponsible as one size certainy does not fit all in this case.
We have however decided that it would be useful to provide schools with a list of model policy ideas which can be adapted into schools and colleges to be fit for purpose. We hope that these might be useful for schools in their work to maintain and/or improve provision within their setting in the various aspects of school life covered by each of the policies.
If you are still struggling to write your policy, a member of the GHLL team can provide assitance. Email GHLL@gloucestershire.gov.uk with an outline of your setting's particular needs, and a member of the team will contact you provide support. Good luck, and we hope you find the following useful:
- A generic 'model policy' with prompt questions to guide you through what you may like to consider in each section
- Guidance and support in writing an Anti-Bullying policy
- Guidelines for existing Anti-Bullying Policies including Hate Incidents/Crimes
- To support the Anti-bullying document above there is some guidance put together by Womankind Worldwide to consider when writing policies, concerning sexual bullying at school
- Guidance and support in writing a Physical Activity policy
- Guidance and support in writing an SRE policy
- Example Mental Health Policy
- Example Mental Health and Well-being Policy
Headteacher Update (primary school webpage, bulletin and news)
Headteacher Update operates as a multi-platform resource, including a magazine, website, podcast, and regular email bulletin, specifically designed for primary school leadership teams. Its content addresses a broad spectrum of leadership topics, delivering practical advice, case studies, and detailed guidance to support professional practice in education.
The publication positions itself as a constructive and supportive voice for educators and leaders working within the UK’s primary education sector. It focuses on key areas such as government policy, school inspections, curriculum development, teaching and learning strategies, educational technology, workforce matters, and initiatives like the Pupil Premium.
The editorial content is created by journalists and contributors, many of whom are active teachers or school leaders. They provide coverage of current issues affecting education, including legislation, emerging research, pedagogy, and examples of effective practice, alongside updates on relevant resources and services.
In addition, the platform features blogs offering commentary, analysis, and opinion from educational professionals and its editorial team. The print magazine is distributed free of charge to approximately 20,000 primary school headteachers, while its email bulletins provide regular updates on news, best practice, and resources to subscribers.
Headteacher Update also produces a monthly podcast in which experts are interviewed to share insights, ideas, and practical advice relevant to school leadership.
Headteacher Update - Home - Headteacher Update
SecEd (Secondary articles, podcasts, webinars and events)
SecEd is a long-established education publication, launched in April 2003 by MA Education, part of the Mark Allen Group. Over time, it has built a strong and loyal readership within the secondary education sector in the UK.
It provides a range of content formats—including articles, podcasts, webinars, and live events—all designed to offer practical, research-informed advice and best practice guidance for teachers, school leaders, and support staff working in secondary schools.
The organisation aims to act as a positive and constructive voice within secondary education. Its contributors, many of whom are practising teachers and leaders, address a wide variety of topics such as education policy, legislation, pedagogy, classroom practice, leadership, inspection, professional development, safeguarding, and curriculum delivery.
SecEd publishes regular best practice articles during term time, focusing on delivering actionable advice, ideas, and examples that can be directly applied in schools. Alongside this, it features blogs that present commentary, analysis, and opinion from education professionals and the editorial team, as well as news coverage explored from an in-depth, practice-focused perspective.
In addition to its written content, SecEd offers weekly email bulletins that share updates on news, best practice, and blogs. It also produces a podcast featuring expert discussions and practical insights, hosts several webinars each year, and organises conferences and events that provide interactive learning opportunities for education professionals
Tagged under: policy, guidance, headteacher update, seced
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