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Guidelines

The minimum standards for the registration and regulation of schools and school boarding premises are set out in Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) guidelines. This includes the requirement to comply with Ministerial Order 1359.

All references to 'schools' include school boarding premises.

Regulatory information

This information follows the structure of Ministerial Order 1359 and outlines:

  • steps to compliance
  • examples of common non-compliance
  • links to resources.

Schools - culturally safe environments regulations

Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

Schools - child safety and wellbeing regulations

Ensure that child safety and wellbeing are embedded in school leadership, governance and culture.

Schools - child and student empowerment regulations

Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Schools - family engagement regulations

Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Schools - diversity and equity regulations

Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice.

Schools - suitable staff and volunteers regulations

People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Schools - complaints processes regulations

Ensure that processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

Schools - child safety knowledge, skills and awareness regulations

Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

Schools - child safety in physical and online environments regulations

Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Schools - review of child safety practices regulations

Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Schools - implementation of child safety practices regulations

Policies and procedures that document how schools are safe for children, young people and students.

Reviewed 24 June 2022

Child Safe Standards

Contact us

VRQA

+61 3 9637 2806
vrqa@education.vic.gov.au
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