The project was significant for the ISBA and for the sector as a whole, and it took time to come to fruition. Our Head of Education, Kristine Scott, led the legal team working on the policy and checklist, which included working with the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate throughout the process to ensure the template policy and checklist met regulatory requirements as well as being easily understood and implemented.

The end result is a landmark document that enables independent schools to ensure their policy is compliant with statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education and the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (ISSR). We continue to update the template and checklist and provide training and guidance to schools to complement it.