Guide to Understanding Statutory Guidance for Schools in England: What Educators Need to Know
If you’re a teacher, school leader, or involved in education in any way across England, you’ve probably heard the term “statutory guidance.” But what does it really mean? And more importantly, how does it affect your day-to-day work?
Let’s break it down in plain English and walk through what statutory guidance for schools is, why it matters, and how schools are expected to use it. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident understanding what’s expected—and why the guidance exists in the first place.
What Is Statutory Guidance?
Imagine statutory guidance like a set of instructions from the government. While they aren’t laws themselves, they are connected to the law in a big way. The government expects schools to follow them closely, unless there’s a strong reason not to.
So if you’re ever unsure whether you have to do something mentioned in the guidance—chances are, you probably do.
Here’s an easy way to think about it:
Think of statutory guidance as a recipe from a master chef—it’s not a law that you must use two eggs and a teaspoon of salt, but if you skip those steps, your cake might flop. Similarly, if a school chooses not to follow certain parts of the government’s guidance, they need to clearly explain why—and show that their way still fits the legal requirements.
Who Issues Statutory Guidance?
The Department for Education (DfE) is the one behind most of the statutory guidance for schools in England. They work with education professionals and policymakers to create guides that help schools meet their legal duties and maintain high standards.
There can also be joint guidance involving other bodies, such as:
- Ofsted (for inspection frameworks)
- The Department of Health and Social Care (on safeguarding or mental health)
- Local Authorities
Why Does Statutory Guidance Matter?
You might be wondering—why are these guides such a big deal? Here’s why:
- They protect students. Many documents cover safeguarding, attendance, mental health, and inclusion. Following them helps keep pupils safe and supported.
- They create fairness and consistency. Every school should provide a similar standard of care and education, from Cornwall to Cumbria.
- They help schools meet legal duties. The law can sometimes be tricky. The guidance explains what you must do in practical, understandable terms.
In short, statutory guidance ensures that students receive the best and safest possible education—no matter where they go to school.
Common Areas Covered by Statutory Guidance
The collection of statutory guidance documents is pretty broad. To keep things simple, let’s go through some key areas that many educators deal with regularly.
1. Safeguarding and Child Protection
This is one of the most important areas covered by statutory guidance. Every member of staff in a school must be prepared to act if a child is at risk.
The most well-known piece of guidance here is “Keeping Children Safe in Education.” It outlines:
- How to spot signs of abuse or neglect
- What to do if you have concerns about a student
- How school policies should be structured for protection and prevention
School staff have to read this document (at least Part 1 for most staff), and schools must make sure they follow it thoroughly.
2. School Attendance
Good attendance is crucial for learning. The statutory guidance on school attendance explains how schools should:
- Record attendance and deal with absences clearly
- Work with parents and local councils on persistent absence
- Issue fixed penalty notices when needed
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance has become a top priority, making this guidance even more relevant.
3. SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Supporting children with additional needs is an essential duty of every school. The SEND Code of Practice offers statutory guidance for schools and local authorities to make sure they meet the needs of students with SEND.
The guidance talks about:
- How to identify students who might have learning needs
- Creating support plans alongside parents
- Working with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs)
4. Behaviour and Discipline
Every teacher knows how vital good behaviour is in the classroom. The behaviour guidance covers:
- Setting clear expectations for students
- Rules around exclusions and suspensions
- Encouraging positive behaviour and managing incidents fairly
This provides a legal framework, so schools handle discipline consistently and justly.
5. Careers Guidance and Employability
Preparing students for life beyond school has become even more central. Statutory guidance lays out requirements for careers education for secondary schools and colleges.
This means schools must:
- Offer impartial career advice
- Provide encounters with employers and training providers
- Publish a careers programme on their website
Students should feel equipped for the real world—and this guidance helps make sure that happens.
Do Schools Always Have to Follow This Guidance?
Short answer: almost always, yes. These are not simply polite suggestions. Statutory guidance means it’s linked to the law, and schools are expected to follow it unless they have a good reason not to—and that reason should be based on the best interests of their pupils.
Ignoring statutory guidance without a solid reason can affect Ofsted ratings, funding, or even lead to legal consequences. So it’s best practice to build school policies around these documents from the start.
How to Keep Up with Changes in Statutory Guidance
One challenge for schools is that statutory guidance isn’t fixed forever. It changes—sometimes quietly.
Here are some smart ways to stay updated:
- Bookmark the official collection: The government keeps one main page (linked below) with all current statutory guidance for schools.
- Assign a staff member to lead: Usually someone from the senior leadership team keeps an eye on updates and ensures staff are briefed.
- Attend training sessions: Local authorities and professional networks often run workshops on key policy changes.
And don’t worry—you don’t need to read every single document. Start by focusing on the guidance most relevant to your role.
Real-Life Example: Safeguarding in Action
Let’s paint a picture. Imagine a secondary school where a teacher notices signs that a student may be experiencing neglect at home. Thanks to “Keeping Children Safe in Education,” that teacher knows:
- Who their Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is
- That even a suspicion must be reported
- What procedures the school must follow next
Without this guidance, the teacher might not take action, and the student could stay in danger. That’s why the government’s guidance is so powerful—it turns knowledge into safety.
Statutory vs. Non-Statutory Guidance: What’s the Difference?
Here’s where it can get confusing. Not all guidance documents are “statutory.” Some are simply advice—useful, but not compulsory.
How do you know which is which?
Statutory guidance will clearly say something like: “Schools and colleges must have regard to this guidance.” That phrase is the key indicator. Non-statutory guidance, while very helpful, gives you more freedom in how to apply it.
Conclusion: Make Statutory Guidance Work for You
Even though the words “statutory guidance” might sound dry or intimidating, they’re actually there to make life easier—for both staff and students. They take complicated laws and turn them into practical, everyday tools for schools.
Rather than seeing them as red tape, think of statutory guidance as a roadmap—one that keeps children safe, promotes fairness, and helps you do your job with confidence.
So whether you’re leading a school, managing the curriculum, or teaching in the classroom—it’s worth spending a little time getting to know the guidance that matters most for your role.
After all, when we understand the rules, we’re more empowered to make the best possible decisions for the young people in our care.
Want to Explore the Full Collection?
The UK government has gathered all current statutory guidance for schools in one place.