6 key rules to remember when restructuring staff

Last reviewed on 13 December 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 34892

Reorganising your staff in schools is different to restructuring in other organisations. As governors, you won't manage this process, but read the key rules and requirements here so you can support your headteacher effectively.

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Contents

  1. There are required roles in schools
  2. Staff may have nationally set terms and conditions
  3. Equality law applies to schools
  4. You must consult staff and unions in some circumstances
  5. There are rules on redundancy pay and notice
  6. Responsibility for dismissal varies by school type

There are many things to take into account when restructuring school staff. This article isn't exhaustive - it's a top-line look at the main bits of law and school-specific information that will help you support your headteacher through the process.

There are required roles in schools

When planning your ideal new structure, bear in mind that you need to have certain roles fulfilled.

Read the list of the roles schools must have in place.

Early years: there are also ratios of pupils to staff that you must follow, which are set out on pages 28 to 31 in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS). Your senior leaders will be able to advise on these. 

Staff may have nationally set terms and conditions

The main documents that set out the terms

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