The Different Types of Schools in Relation to Educational Stages and School Governance.

the same approach to running education. School governors have a large say of this. They do not need any special qualifications or experience; however it is most important for the governor to have certain qualities such as an interested in the welfare of the children and the school and to be prepared to give their time and effort when required. They tend to meet once or twice per term and discuss the school the business such as things like finance and curriculum issues. It is expected that they make 1 visit per year to school during the day and attend at least one training day per year as well. All governors undergo a CRB check, they can also claim for expenses such as travelling to meetings, training days and in some cases childcare. They usually hold the post for 4 years. All schools have the following.

However, some may have different admission criteria or funding arrangements. Children's education in England is normally divided into two separate stages. They begin with Primary education at the age of five and this usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to Secondary school, there they stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or eighteen years of age. The two main categories of school are:- * local authority maintained schools (State Schools) Free to all children between the ages of 5 - 16 * Independent schools. (Private/Public Schools) Parents pay for their children’s education. There are ninety three per cent of children in England and Wales attend State Schools, and this are non-fee-paying school, also was funded from taxes and most are organized by Local Authorities(LA). The cost of resource equipment’s, books, examination fees are covered by the school. However, parents are expected to pay for their child’s uniform and item of sportswear. Charge may also be made for music lessons and for board and lodgings on residential trips. Schools may ask for voluntary contributions for school time activities such as guild reading or school trips, every pupil will include in all activity even if their parents or guardian cannot or do not contribute. State Schooling at different stages School type

Community and foundation special schools- cater for children with specific special educational needs. These may include physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

The role of the SENCo has developed through government policy and undergone significant changes in the past decade with the introduction of the statutory SEN Code of Practice 2001 which states that the role of the SENCo includes identifying and placing pupils in need of special educational provision on a graduated system, liaising with parents and other professionals in regards to children with SEND and advising and supporting other practitioners in the field amongst other responsibilities.

This Act transferred the responsibility of children with special educational needs looked after by the health service to the local authority and as a result many special schools were built.

Education Act 2002/2006 - Schools which have innovative ideas to improve education, but are prevented by an existing law from implementing them, will be able to apply for exemption from that law. Schools which demonstrate a high standard of teaching will be given exemption national controls such as the national curriculum, agreements on teachers' pay and conditions and the way the scheduling of the school day and terms. The act imposes various minimum standards for independent schools in areas such as health and safety and space requirements

The funding mainly comes from school fees and income from investments, gifts and charities. The building and land is owned by the governing body, and as many of these schools have charitable status they would be tax exempt. They will set their own admission policy and curriculum through the governing body and head teacher. (L/O 1.2)

Specialist schools State secondaries often specialise by placing an extra emphasis on one or two subjects. Schools can specialise in: the arts, maths and computing, business and enterprise, music, engineering, science, humanities, sports, languages, and technology. Secondary schools must apply for specialist status and receive additional government funding as a result.

* Liaising with external agencies including LEA’s, support and educational psychology services, health and social services and voluntary bodies.

Every independent school must be registered with the Department for Education (DfE). To ensure the school maintains the standards set out in its registration document, standards are regularly monitored by either Ofsted, or another inspectorate.

The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2001 outlines the statutory guidance for policy and the procedures and responsibilities towards children and special educational needs. It includes the levels of support which should be provided to children depending upon their individual needs.

Academy schools are set up by sponsors from businesses and are independently managed schools which jointly funds the land and buildings, they do still have very close links with the Local Education Authority, the government does still cover the running costs.

|Specialist schools |Specialist schools are permitted to select up to 10% of their pupils intake on the basis of their ‘aptitude’ for the schools |

There are four types of mainstream schools that have to adhere to the national curriculum and are funded by the LEA (Local Education Authority). These are:

Independent Schools – These are funded by the fees paid by the parents & income from gifts / charitable endowments. Most have charitable status which means that they can claim tax exemption. They also do not have to follow the national curriculum & the head teacher & governors decide on their admission policy. Approx. 2300 independent schools in the uk. They do however to register with the Department of Education so that they can be monitored, although they may not be monitored by Ofsted but the ISI (independent school inspectorate).