Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as buildings and grounds, and essential services maintenance.

Guidelines for Operating a Boarding House

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, under the provisions of a range of Commonwealth and Victorian laws.

Conditions of compliance

School must comply with the following Acts and Regulations to ensure the wellbeing of all boarders:

• Building Regulations 2006 (Vic)
• Building Act 1993 (Vic)
• Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)
• Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic)
• Food Act 1984 (Vic)
• Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic)
• Public health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009
• Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic)
• OHS Regulations 2007 (Vic)
• Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic)
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth)
• Water Industry Act 1994 (Vic)
• Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic)

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

Every boarding school must have in place appropriate requirements to ensure the safety and welfare of all boarders.  Schools that operate boarding facilities should be able to provide evidence of policies and procedures for the protection and wellbeing of all boarding students, and should support their emotional, physical, academic and social needs and development.

The skills and number of boarding staff should be suitable for the number and needs of boarding students, and for the activities and responsibilities involved.

The scope of policies and procedures will differ for each school depending on the school’s philosophy, ethos and practices; however, minimum requirements should be implemented to ensure duty of care is given indiscriminately to all boarders.

What are the consequences if you don’t comply?

You may be in breach of the laws stated above. Penalties can apply.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Annia Dear
Risk and Compliance Advisor
Ph. 9825 7275
annia.dear@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Click here to download a list of suggested policies and procedures (PDF)

Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework: Food Safety

Other links:

Australian Boarding Staff Association Inc: Training

Australian Building Codes Board

Australian Taxation Office: GST and long-term accommodation supplied to staff in a school’s boarding house

Victorian Building Commission: Fire Safety Systems (PDF)
Boarding houses are class three buildings

Victorian Building Commission: Smoke Alarms (PDF)
Boarding houses are class three buildings

Submitted 8/9/2006, edited 12/18/2007.