What is a publication scheme?

The Freedom of Information Act (2000) (FOI) requires all Public Authorities (including schools) to produce a register of the types of information it will routinely make available to the public. This publication scheme follows a template approved by the Information Commissioner.

The scheme commits our school to:

• Routinely publish information categorised below under ‘Classes of Information’
• Specify information
• Explain how it will be made available
• State any fees to be charged for the information (if paper requests are made)
• Make this scheme publicly available
• To publish any dataset held by the School that has been requested, and any updated versions it holds, unless the School is satisfied that it is not appropriate to do so; to publish the dataset, where reasonably practicable, in an electronic form that is capable of re-use; and, if any information in the dataset is a relevant copyright work and the School is the only owner, to make the information available for re-use under the terms of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015, if they apply, and otherwise under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act section 19. The term ‘dataset’ is defined in section 11(5) of the Freedom of Information Act. The term ‘relevant copyright work’ is defined in section 19(8) of that Act
• To publish the dataset within one month of the request, also if the request is complex, or due to the number of requests, within three months. We will inform the individual within one month of the receipt of the request and explain why the extension is necessary.

Class of Information

There are 7 classes of information we hold:

1. Who we are and what we do: organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
2. What we spend and how we spend it: financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
3. What our priorities are and how we are doing: strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
4. How we make decisions: policy proposals and decisions. Decision-making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
5. Our policies and procedures: current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
6. Lists and registers: information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the School.
7. The services we offer: advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.

The classes of information will not generally include:

• Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
• Information in draft form.
• Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.

Making Information Available

At West Hill, all statutory information is provided on our website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on a website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, the scheme clarifies how copies of the information can be obtained.

In exceptional circumstances, some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.

Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where an authority is legally required to translate any information, it will do so. Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation, and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats, will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.

Charging

The purpose of this scheme is to make the greatest amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Our website houses statutory information which is accessed free of charge.

Charges may be made to cover our costs such as:

• Photocopying
• Postage and packaging (charged at Royal Mail, 2^nd class)

Charges may also be made for making datasets (or parts of datasets) that are relevant copyright works available for re-use. These charges will be in accordance with the terms of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations (2015) where they apply, or with regulations made under FOI Section 11B. If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.

Written Request

Information held by West Hill that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. This request in writing can be posted to the West Hill address or sent electronically to admin@westhillschool.co.uk.

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The Scheme