Compliance Framework | Anti-bullying

Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Guidelines for the development and implementation of anti-bullying policies.

Anti-bullying

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Do you need to comply?

Yes, as a condition of school registration in Victoria. You also need to comply if your school receives funding from the Australian Government under the Schools Assistance (Learning Together - Achievement through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 (Cth.).

Conditions of compliance

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) requires schools to have polices and procedures in place in relation to student bullying.

The Schools Assistance Act 2004 (Cth.) requires schools to make a commitment that they will implement the National Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) endorsed by the Ministerial Council of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).

Key elements of the NSSF that stem from the 'Guiding Principles for the Provision of a Safe and Supportive School Environment' include the:

establishment of agreed policies, programs and procedures
provision of training for all staff
management of incidents of abuse
provision of support for students.

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

To effectively prevent bullying, schools should take a whole-school approach that focuses on safety and wellbeing throughout all school practices.

Bullying behaviour in schools should be addressed as part of a school's duty of care to provide a safe and supportive school environment.

Schools should develop and implement a Student Code of Conduct that identifies goals and standards for student behaviour. The Student Code of Conduct should include safe school and specific anti-bullying strategies that aim to promote positive student behaviour, prevent anti-social behaviour, and encourage respect, compassion and cooperation.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

Your school could be in breach of the requirements of the VRQA.

Independent schools receive funding from the Australian Government under the Schools Assistance Act 2004 (Cth.) subject to the conditions which are set out in the Act. To receive funding, the school must sign a funding agreement with DEST covering the 2005-2008 quadrennium.

A commitment to implement the National Safe Schools Framework is a condition under the Act.

You may also be putting the wellbeing of students at risk if your school does not implement the National Safe Schools Framework.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Elspeth Adamson
Manager, Student Services
Ph. 03 9825 7204
elspeth.adamson@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Click here to go to the Student Wellbeing area of the Independent Schools Victoria website.