Model and statutory policies

DfE: Statutory policies for schools and academies

The Department for Education's guidance outlines the policies and other documents governing bodies are legally required to hold. Governing bodies are required to hold each of these policies and other documents, as outlined. Unless otherwise stated in relevant statutory or non-statutory guidance, it is up to governing bodies to decide whether and how to delegate the creation, maintenance and approval of policy documents within their school or federation. 

The Department for Education’s statutory policies guidance is contained in the new Governance guides on the strategic leadership and governance of local-authority-maintained schools and academy trusts from March 2024:

DfE: Maintained schools governance guide: statutory policies

DfE: Academy trust governance guide: statutory policies

Model policies for Hertfordshire schools 

Model policies are given to assist governing bodies in drafting and agreeing their own school policy, the details of which will vary from school to school depending on their size, structure and needs. Model policies should therefore be adapted – not adopted. Occasionally a policy includes statutory requirements (for example statutory time limits in which to hold exclusion hearings) which must be adhered to.

How to find model policies on the Grid

Search by keyword using the term 'model policy' OR:

Use the 'Advanced Search' option:

• select 'Documents' tab on the blue bar
• select the filter for 'Content type'
• select the filter for 'Model policy'
• select sort by 'newest' above the search results to see the most recently added model policies

This will give you results only for those 'model policies' on the Grid* which can be adapted by schools.

Model policies quick search result

If you want to find other policies available then select the filter for 'Policy'.

* Not all model policies are on the Grid website.

HR policies

You can find policies, procedures and supporting documents such as model policies and templates on the HR portals on the HFL website:

HFL Education: HR Services portal - for maintained schools

HFL Education: Academies HR portal - for academies/MATs

If your school buys HR services from HFL Education you will have access to the portal in your school account on the HFL website.

If you have problems accessing the portal please contact HFL Customer Services on 01438 544464 or info@hfleducation.org.

Access to the HR services knowledge portals is only available to schools or academies buying a core or full HR service with HFL Education. Find out more:

HFL Education: HR services