Hey Everyone,

In the next few days, I shall be starting work designing a website for a primary school (in Suffolk).

Before I start, I was wondering if there are any guidelines or government regulations I should adhere to?

I have searched on Google, and found some general guidelines for producing government websites, but none mention schools specifically.

Any relevant info/advice is welcomed.

Cheers

James

I'm not sure if there are "government" regulations (especially since you're in the UK and I am not). I have worked with a couple schools in the US and the biggest concern is usually dealing with security of information and what you can and cannot post on a site. Because the parents and students may not release the right to put their photos/information online for the public, you have to be sure to adhere to the school board's regulations on releasing student information in a public forum. This type of information can be received by the school board itself.

This probably doesn't help much, but just thought I would throw that out for ya.

Thanks for your reply Kevin.

Good point you made about "Security of Information", and people giving consent to having photos etc online.

Will definately keep that in mind.

Got a meeting with the Headteacher this week ( ) and want to have as
much info ready for his questions!


Anyone else got any input?

Basically, the school knows how they are regulated and you, as a webmaster, do not have to have that information. It would be helpful if they had something like a school newspaper or something like that, and know what they are allowed to publish and what they aren't.

It also depends on the goal of the site... If it is going to be updated by the students to create a community, or if it is a site that the school will use to get new students.

Hey Monola,

I think it will be the later; a site that the school will use to gain new students.

I'd double check on the accessibility guidelines as well. I believe this is an important requirement for UK now.

Nadia

Thanks Nadia,

Will definately be working closely with the accessibilty guidelines set out by the W3C.

Just got back from a meeting with the Headteacher... and have officially got the go ahead

He is going to consult the county council on any guidelines I need to follow.



Thanks for your input everyone, much appreciated


James

I'd rather say that the biggest and most important thing is not to upset the parents :lolf:... You can't imagine the amount of hassle in one of the schools around here because they wanted to forbid Harry Potter books... and they got it! So, beware, parents are dangerous!

You have to have absolutely no flashy things. It can hurt disabled people at the school. I did a government site before and helped in a school site and this is what I learned. Just make sure it is simple but still eye-appealing.
HTMLGuy

Well done and good luck!! :-)

Nadia