SchoolDocs provides an accessible, online policy system that reflects the character of each subscribing school. We work with over 2,000 schools across the motu to design, host, and maintain their school policies and procedures. We’re delighted that this number includes a range of independent schools, and we have recently released updates to the SchoolDocs platform to better meet independent school needs.
Smoother onboarding process
To sign up to SchoolDocs, schools are usually asked to work their way through a questionnaire that is linked to a generic policy set. We recognise that for independent schools, working with a fixed set of questions to determine the nature of their policies is not always a straightforward process.
Our new onboarding process allows independent schools to view a framework of policies that are already designed to reflect the needs of independent schools. Schools can then adapt this framework to ensure policies meet the needs and character of their school. The framework is divided into different policy areas, with instructions for ways independent schools can make sure each policy area meets their needs.
Policies cover areas including curriculum and student achievement, employment relations, finance and asset management, and health and safety. SchoolDocs can also support schools to meet regulatory requirements for international students through an additional policy module.
Updated policy content
The SchoolDocs team works to continually update policy content for all schools. We have recently released further updates for independent schools and created a new “Model” site specifically for independent schools. The Model site is where SchoolDocs users can see our recommendations for where they can add or update school-specific information in their own policies.
SchoolDocs recently made changes for all schools in the policy areas of governance and management, and school community engagement. We received a great deal of feedback from schools as a result of scheduled review, which enabled us to clarify how schools should implement policy requirements in these areas.
Policy updates in these areas include providing more scope for independent schools to:
- clearly outline how their school is governed and managed
- include more school-specific wording about how their policies are managed
- describe how the school approaches consultation with their community.
We’ve also updated an annual assurance checklist for independent schools, which is a tool for assuring the school’s board (manager) that the school is meeting key legislative and regulatory requirements, including those assessed by ERO. This assurance checklist is linked to relevant policies on SchoolDocs, so schools can see what reporting actions are required in the context of their policies.
SchoolDocs will continue to update policy content for independent schools and welcomes feedback on our recent updates. The SchoolDocs platform is continually improved by the suggestions of schools from across New Zealand. We seek to provide a system that keeps pace with a changing educational environment, and is responsive to school’s needs.
If you’d like to learn more about how SchoolDocs can support your school, contact team@schooldocs.co.nz.
.png)
