BROADSTONE FIRST SCHOOL FAMILY FRIENDLY AWARD

In July this year we became the first school in Poole and the second school in the country to gain this accreditation. The award was presented by the Dorset Training and Enterprise Council based in Bournemouth.

Family Friendly accreditation recognises employers who help their staff balance the challenging pressures at work and at home. It is a tool for assessing the impact personnel policies bring to an organisation's performance. The assessment process involves reviewing an organisation's current policies and should reinforce senior management commitment to those policies. Following the assessment process an action plan is created which the school put into action to lead to the award.

Our assessment was carried out by two assessors in January 2000. They interviewed across section of the school staff including teaching and non teaching staff. The action plan was put in operation immediately. It was a very useful assessment tool for senior management. Examples of our good practice included a supply teacher being brought in to help a teacher recovering from bereavement, staff being allowed to bring their children into school on training days and if staff have family problems, they are supported with convenient leave periods. Good practice is carried out within contractual obligations and guidelines.

Our schools performance was so impressive it's to be used as a national example of good practice by the Department for Education and Employment.

The Family Friendly Standard includes such points as: A clear commitment to value all staff and assist employees to meet their work obligations and achieve their personal development goals; The provisions are adequate in number and cover a sufficiently broad range of needs relevant to employees; Evidence that Family Friendly provisions have provided genuine and relevant assistance to recipients; Managers are actively involved in supporting Family Friendly policies and their implementation.

An organisation which is Family Friendly can: Make full use of the skills, experience and potential of all staff and thereby ensure the best person for the job; Attract and retain committed, skilled and experienced staff, recouping investment in training; Enhance the organisation's reputation and image with both customers and staff through demonstrable commitment policies; Increase in efficiency, competitiveness and effectiveness.

The process of assessment was informative and carried out by a neutral body. It enabled an effective, non political assessment to be made re personnel. It informed senior management and enabled improvements to be made for staff. The award has raised morale and enabled our school to be recognised for good personnel practice in the local and national field.

We are all very proud to be part of this organisation and value the part each member of staff makes to this effective school.

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