Primary School Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

What a good one includes

• Clear verification of child protection compliance, including mandatory background checks and Working with Children approvals for all external staff.
• A detailed breakdown of who is responsible for student supervision, behavior management, and first aid during partnership activities.
• Specific terms detailing the use of school facilities, equipment, utilities, and any associated fees or custodial arrangements.
• Designated main points of contact for both the school and the partner organization to streamline scheduling and resolve issues quickly.
• Explicit proof of public liability insurance and a clear definition of where liability lies in the event of property damage or injury.
• A simple clause outlining how either party can terminate the agreement early or renew it for subsequent school terms.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to explicitly state who is responsible for verifying child protection clearances, leaving the school vulnerable to compliance breaches.
• Leaving duty of care undefined, which causes confusion over whether school teachers or external staff are supervising students during transition times.
• Forgetting to document who cleans up spaces or resets classrooms after an activity, leading to friction with school custodial staff.
• Writing an overly adversarial document that stifles community goodwill instead of fostering a collaborative, student-centered partnership.

Frequently asked questions