Schools and learning

Home-school agreements

Since September 1999, all state schools should have a written agreement which is sent to all parents/carers and outlines the aims and values of the school.

The agreement is like a contract - it spells out what you can expect from the school, and in return, what the school expects from your child. These agreements are drawn up by school governing bodies in consultation with the head teacher.

The aim of these agreements is to help the school to provide the best possible education for your child. The agreements outline areas such as homework, discipline, attendance and communications.

It is important to realise that signing a Home-School Agreement is not compulsory. However, it is recommended, as this will show that you and the school have common interests and that you are prepared to ensure that your child abides by the rules of the school. If you choose not to sign an agreement, there will not be any negative effect on your child's education or on the treatment that he or she receives.

If you have any queries about the Home-School Agreement that has been issued by your child's school, you should contact the school in the first instance. Similarly, if you have difficulties in reading or understanding English, contact the school and they will be able to arrange for a translated version to be made available or for someone to go through the agreement with you.

It is important to note that breaches of the agreement on either side (i.e. parent or school) are not actionable through the legal system. Head teachers are not allowed to discipline or exclude a pupil for breaching the agreement. However, if the pupil breaches the agreement by seriously breaking school disciplinary rules, he or she may be disciplined or excluded in line with the school's discipline policy.

Again, if you have any queries on issues such as this, you should contact the school in the first instance.