All content and articles on our website are answers to questions from school and college leaders. It’s simple to use our service; start by browsing or searching our website.

If you can’t see the answer to your question, just ask us. Our friendly team of support managers will help you search, or brief our expert researchers to prepare an article especially for you. We’ll publish a new article online within 3 working days and email it directly to you.

What other school leaders have asked

In recent independent market research, our members said they saved up to 5 hours each time they asked The Key a question. Here is just a small selection of the questions we have been asked recently:

• Who is entitled to receive SEN allowances?

Special Educational Needs (SEN) allowances are payable only to classroom teachers who spend most of their time teaching pupils with statements of SEN. In this article our researchers set out guidance on eligibility and determining the value of payments.

• Do you have any sample contracts for staff in an academy? 

Our researchers provide a sample teacher’s contract from an academy that was developed in consultation with the NUT. We also look at the issues involved in making changes to terms and conditions when a school becomes an academy.

• What should be in a handbook for primary school staff?

Our researchers found some published examples from which to write a checklist and linked to five different versions from schools.

• Is there a policy that outlines how staff communicate with parents? 

In this article, our researchers link to three policies from secondary schools and a code of conduct from a primary school. We also include guidance on how to communicate effectively with parents and carers. 

• How can schools raise money?

One of our associate education experts lists ways in which schools can generate income. We include information on lettings, fundraising and working with local businesses; we also link to information on saving money.

• How should I manage an outbreak of headlice in my school?

We provided up-to-date medical information, an example of an alternative remedy, a sample letter for the head to send to parents and a strategy to avoid creating alarm within the school.