Statutory Policies Checklist: Every Policy UK Schools Are Legally Required to Have

Use the statutory policies for schools guide to check school-type requirements, current sources, review cycles and approval routes.

A free downloadable checklist for governing bodies to assess the school's current policy position.

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1. Policy Inventory

• The school maintains a central policy register
• All policies are listed in one place, with version numbers
• Policies are categorised by type and ownership

2. Ownership

• Every policy is assigned to a named owner
• Responsibility for initiating review is clearly defined
• Escalation responsibility is defined for overdue reviews

3. Review Status

• The last review date is recorded for every policy
• The next scheduled review date is recorded
• Overdue policies can be identified quickly

4. Governor Approval

• Governors know which policies require full board approval
• Approval dates are recorded and linked to specific policy versions
• Approval decisions are clearly reflected in board minutes

5. Publication Requirements

• All required documents are published on the school website
• Published versions are current and aligned with the approved internal version
• A process exists for updating published copies when policies are approved

6. Evidence

• Supporting evidence can be located quickly if requested
• The review history of key policies can be demonstrated
• The board can evidence its governance oversight of policy matters

7. Policy Categories to Check Against Your Register

Safeguarding

• Child Protection Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Online Safety Arrangements
• Staff Conduct Expectations and Code of Conduct

Behaviour and attendance

• Behaviour policy
• Attendance policy
• Exclusions policy

Equality and inclusion

• Equality Information and Objectives
• SEND Information Report

Complaints and governance

• Complaints Procedures
• Governor Code of Conduct
• Governance Arrangements
• Conflict of Interest Processes

Health and safety

• Health and Safety Policy
• Emergency Planning Procedures
• Educational Visits Procedures

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This checklist is a practical readiness guide for governance self-review. It does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of Ofsted compliance — always confirm current requirements against the latest DfE statutory guidance.

Edvance helps UK governing bodies maintain a central policy register with review dates and approval evidence in one place. Start a free trial →

For the complete review-cycle guide, see the UK School Policy Review Checklist. Governors can use the Statutory Policy Checklist for Governors for the board-approval and evidence view.

Source article: Statutory School Policies Checklist for Governors