Headteacher Handover Policy
During the course of an academic year, headteachers move on from their schools for a
number of reasons ranging from promotion to retirement. It is very important that schools
establish well planned, effective procedures and systems for handover to a new
headteacher to ensure:
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Continuity of quality education for all pupils
In some cases, preparedness for an imminent Ofsted inspection/monitoring visit
Safeguarding of all pupils, staff, parents and other stakeholders
Governing bodies need to ensure that effective arrangements are in place,
with sufficient funding to support the induction of their new headteacher. It
is not advisable for outgoing headteachers to be appointed to the governing
body of the school they are leaving.
Documentation
Prior to taking up appointment, the new headteacher will need copies of key
documentation. This will enable them to have an informed view of the school before
taking up their new post. Although some information is available online, it would be
helpful if the following information could be made available as soon after their
appointment as possible:
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SEF
Other school self evaluation information
Latest Ofsted report
Latest SIP reports including Local Authority categorisation
RAISE Online
Fischer Family Trust information
Target setting information
School Development Plan/Raising Attainment Plan to include current priorities
Budget information
School prospectus
Safeguarding information
Minutes of recent governor business meetings
Health and safety policy and procedures
Assets/building information, to include location of risk assessments/registers etc.
In addition, to ensure continuity at the start of the new term, the following need to be
made available:
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List of staff names including roles
List of governor names including roles
List of key school and Local Authority contacts
Name and contact details of Locality Lead
Name and contact details of School Improvement Partner
Security passwords and specific site related security information
School keys which are labelled
Calendar of events
Governor dates
School rotas and timetables
Lunchtime arrangements
Information on pupils with specific medical needs including first aid details and
managing medicines in school documentation
Information on pupils with a statement of special educational needs
Child protection information (to include information on pupils with a child protection
plan and other vulnerable pupils and families)
Looked after children documentation
Any pre arranged training days/staff development sessions
A summary by the outgoing headteacher of current/ongoing issues, particularly
those with imminent procedural deadlines e.g. relating to pupil discipline,
complaints etc, is also advisable to support a smooth transition.
Key events
In preparation for their new role, it is advisable to include a headteacher designate in the
following:
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Procedures for the appointment of new staff
New parents’ meetings
Appropriate governors’ meetings
Contact with pupils at a timely public event e.g. school concert
Relevant invitations to specific events
Any discussions regarding new governor appointments
Any discussions regarding strategic decisions and/or major expenditure
Induction
Following confirmation of the appointment of a new headteacher, a conditional offer letter
will be sent to the Chair of Governors in order for it to be sent to the new headteacher on
school headed paper. A letter of appointment will follow from Human Resources.
There is a planned programme of induction for new headteachers that can be accessed
through the Local Authority. Details and costings will be forwarded to new Headteachers
and Chairs of Governors during the term prior to appointment. New headteachers are
initially invited to a new headteacher breakfast meeting followed by a welcome meeting.
New headteachers are advised to attend these meetings. The Chair of Governors is also
invited to attend a new headteachers induction meeting to outline the support available. A
range of information sessions and network opportunities follow the initial meetings.
It is also advisable to have a series of planned meetings, including a personnel briefing
regarding any current issues, between the outgoing headteacher and the new
Headteacher.
Meetings with additional personnel:
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Chair of Governors and other governors where possible
Deputy headteacher/assistant headteacher
Site manager
Staff
Local Authority contact (Locality Lead)
(In some cases these meetings may not be possible until after the incoming
headteacher has taken up their appointment.)
Handover of keys
Agreement should be reached between the Chair of Governors, the outgoing
headteacher and the new headteacher over access to the building prior to the start of
term in which the new headteacher takes up their post. The new headteacher will need
access as soon as possible after the end of the previous term, but this will need to be in
full agreement with the outgoing Headteacher and Chair of Governors.
The responsibility lies with the outgoing Headteacher and governing body until the
official start date of the incoming Headteacher.