Reducing bureaucracy in schools:
Cutting guidance and improving communications to schools

Schools tell us that there is so much guidance in circulation, it is virtually impossible for even the most conscientious headteacher or chair of governors to absorb it all. We are therefore reviewing all existing guidance, aiming to remove what is not necessary and cut back and simplify what is left. We aim to establish a simple, definitive suite of guidance, and intend to make guidance on key areas short and clear about what schools must do, should do and can choose to do.

The Department has already removed 5000 pages of guidance. Some examples of guidance which has been reduced and simplified include:

• behaviour
• bullying
• target setting
• careers
• working with parents
• health and safety.

The Department is continuing to work towards reducing all its guidance and will provide a further update on the significant reductions achieved by the end of December at the start of next term.

Further information on the Department's approach to advice and guidance is available online.

You may also be interested in statutory guidance.