Compliance Framework | Student Welfare

Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has established minimum standards in relation to student welfare policies.

Student Welfare

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

Do you need to comply?

Yes, under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 (Vic.).

Conditions of compliance

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has established minimum standards in relation to student welfare.

A school's student welfare policy can follow the Framework for Student Support Services in Victorian Government Schools in ensuring that student welfare is incorporated into all aspects of school life.

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

Student Welfare policies should include:

primary prevention strategies to establish an environment where students have a sense of belonging at school. This will include how the school:

builds mutual respect and promotes safety at school
implements a comprehensive curriculum to engage all students
enhances school attendance
practises inclusive teaching and learning
encourages supportive relationships between members of the school community
eases transition between the various sections of the school and for those students new to the school, and
involves parents, families and the community in a shared understanding of the needs of students.

Early intervention strategies by:

identifying risks and assessing student needs
providing school-based support and counselling
developing programs to improve students' skills, and
monitoring and evaluating student support programs.

Intervention strategies by:

having clear referral procedures
having good links to counselling services
ensuring continuity of student care, and
monitoring and evaluating student welfare progress.

Postvention strategies by:

increasing awareness of the impact of trauma, and
having an emergency management plan which includes counselling, support and monitoring recovery.

In addition, schools must also provide evidence of the following:

Where possible, student welfare policies should make reference to other school policies that cover the above aspects, and also include other areas such as bullying and harassment, alcohol and drug policies.

Schools are also expected to inform staff of their legal responsibilities for the care, safety and welfare of students. Click here for advice (PDF).

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

If the VRQA determines that a registered school does not comply with one or more of the minimum standards, it may:

impose conditions on the school's registration
prohibit the school from enrolling any new students
require the school to report its non-compliance to parents
suspend, cancel or impose conditions on the school's registration.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

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

Elspeth Adamson
Manager, Student Services
Ph. 9825 7204
elspeth.adamson@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Click here to go to Accidents and Incident Register

Click here to go to Alcohol

Click here to go to Anaphylaxis Management Plans

Click here to go to Anti-Bullying

Click here to go to Emergency Management Plans

Click here to go to First Aid Policies and Procedures

Click here to go to Illicit Drugs in Schools

Click here to go to Managing Complaints and Grievances (PDF)

Click here to go to Mandatory Reporting Procedures

Click here to go to Staff Legal Responsibilities (PDF)