Pupil health & wellbeing

Be clear on what checks need to be carried out on members, trustees – including chairs – and local governors when they join your academy trust.

DBS checks don't expire – it's for the school or trust employer to decide if you need a new check. Find out when you might be asked for a new one, and how the DBS Update Service can help you keep your certificate current.

Save time by reading our summary of the rules on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for governors in just one page. Download a copy to share with your colleagues.

Schools and trusts have specific duties under the Equality Act 2010. Learn what's required of you, and of your school/trust.

Understand your role in making sure your school complies with its obligations to pupils and their parents under the Equality Act, and learn what you can do to prevent discrimination.

Understand how your school must provide reasonable adjustments for pupils, staff and parents/carers with disabilities - including for school trips and after-school clubs.

Your board is responsible for making sure pupils with medical conditions are supported in school. This includes being administered any medicines they need. Find out how this works in practice, including staff roles and pupils self-administering medication.

Understand what the food standards are and how you can monitor compliance, including what questions to ask. Plus, get to grips with Natasha's Law and the allergen labelling requirements.

The Department for Education (DfE) is closely monitoring an increase of cases of group A streptococci infections and scarlet fever in children. Schools have been advised on how to manage cases and support parents.

Be clear on what EHC plans are, what they contain and how pupils with special educational needs (SEN) receive one. Also understand when you might see one as a governor.

Learn about governors' duties in relation to education for children with SEND. We run through the rules set out in key guidance and legislation.

Use this summary as a starting point to understanding some key parts of the SEND Code of Practice, so you can comply with this statutory document.

Understand the requirements around childcare disqualification, including who it applies to and what your school's responsibilities are.

Learn what belongs on your school's single central record (SCR), your role in monitoring its compliance with safeguarding requirements and when you should – and shouldn't – check the SCR yourself.

Abuse between peers can take many forms, including bullying, physical abuse and sexual harassment. Use the guidance below and example questions to help your school leaders develop a culture where abuse is not tolerated, and understand how to monitor what your school puts in place.