Access and Equity
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Disability Education
Management of Eating and Drinking Support in ACT Public Schools Policy
This policy sets out the requirements of schools in supporting students who need assistance or supervision with the oral intake of food and/or drink. The policy does not cover the management of invasive health care procedures such as feeding or hydrating via a tube.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOEADS201002 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD)
English as an Additional Language or Dialect Learner Policy
This policy outlines the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate) and ACT public school responsibilities to support the learning of English for students who have English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D).
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00079 | last updated (08 Sep 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Students Policy
This policy will be implemented by ACT Education Directorate staff to support the needs of gifted and talented students in ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy identifier: GTS00076 | last updated (22 Apr 2021)
Implementation Documents:
- Gifted and Talented Procedure
- Appendix A-1 – Identification and Provisions procedures flowchart
- Appendix A-2 – Acceleration procedures flowchart
- Appendix A-3 – Early Entry procedures flowchart
- Appendix B – Identification Instruments
- Appendix C – Gifted and Talented Early Entry application form
International Students
Overseas Students: Attendance and Progress Policy
This policy outlines the arrangements for monitoring course progress and attendance of overseas fee-paying students enrolled in ACT public schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00095 | last updated (22 Aug 2022)
Implementation Documents
- Directorate Education Participation (Enrolments and Attendance) Procedure
- Overseas Students: Guidelines for Students Holding Visa Subclass 500 (School Sector)
- Overseas Students: Intervention Strategies Flowchart
Overseas Students: Care, Accommodation and Welfare Policy (CAaW)
This policy outlines the care, accommodation and welfare arrangements for overseas fee-paying students enrolled in ACT public schools, with specific focus on those under 18 years.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00096 | last updated (23 Aug 2022)
Implementation Documents
- Overseas Students: Homestay Procedure
- Overseas Students: Guidelines for Students Holding Visa Subclass 500 (School Sector)
- Overseas Students: Accommodation Inspection Report
- Overseas Students: Homestay Registration and Placement Flowchart
- Overseas Students: Resolving Homestay Concerns Flowchart
Overseas Students: Complaints and Appeals Policy
CP201308, the ACT Education Directorate’s (Directorate) Complaints Policy, applies in the international education context. However, further considerations are necessary in the prompt, fair and impartial resolution of complaints made by overseas students. These are outlined in this policy, which should be read and actioned in conjunction with CP201308.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00097 | last updated (23 Aug 2022)
Implementation Documents
- Overseas Students: Complaints and Appeals Procedure
- Directorate’s Complaints Procedure
- Overseas Students: Guidelines for Students Holding Visa Subclass 500 (School Sector)
Overseas Students: Critical Incident Management Policy
1.1. CNCIMR201301, the ACT Education Directorate’s (Directorate) Critical/Non-Critical Incident Management and Reporting Policy, applies in the international education context.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00098 | last updated (09 Sep 2022)
Implementation Documents
Overseas Students: Fees Charging Policy
process for establishing fees payable by international fee-paying students, including dependants of temporary residents, who wish to enrol in an ACT public school;
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00099 | last updated (09 Sep 2022)
Implementation Documents
Overseas Students: Student Enrolment Transfer Policy
This policy outlines the arrangements for assessing and actioning transfer requests relating to overseas fee-paying students currently enrolled in, or seeking to enrol in, ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00100 | last updated (09 Sep 2022)
Implementation Documents
Computers, Devices and Internet
Internet and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT Management in Schools Policy
This policy defines the parameters of ICT management in schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: IMS201402 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools Policy
This policy and related procedures and guidelines assist schools in supporting students when an accident/incident occurs and reflect legislative and insurance requirements about reporting and recording incidents and accidents.
Policy | Policy Identifier: RSAI201405 | last updated (06 Dec 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy
This policy provides a framework for schools to support student use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) at school.
Policy | Policy Identifier: UPEDS201506 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Corporate Administration and Management
Internal Management
Appointment and Functions of Authorised Persons Policy
This policy supports proper exercise of statutory powers on behalf of the Education and Training Directorate (the Directorate) by authorised persons in relation to functions including government and non-government schools and home education.
Policy | Policy Identifier: AFAP201002 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Fraud and Corruption Reporting Policy
This policy outlines the responsibilities of staff to report suspected fraud and corruption.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00120 | last updated (28 Aug 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Internal Audit Policy
This policy defines how the internal audit function operates within the Directorate and should be read in conjunction with the Audit Committee Charter, Internal Audit Charter and the Internal Audit Procedures.
Policy | 00029 | last updated (15 Nov 2019)
Internal Audit Procedure.docx
Review of Decisions Policy
This policy and its related procedures provide information about which decisions under the Education Act 2004 are reviewable.
Policy | Policy Identifier: ROD201601 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Security Management Policy (Internal access only)
This policy embeds protective security as a core element of the Education and Training Directorate’s (the Directorate) planning and approval processes.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SM201408 | last updated (15 Jan 2016)
Curriculum
Curriculum Requirements
Approved Education Courses - Schools Policy
This policy establishes the conditions that must be met for the approval of educational courses held at a place other than a school.
Policy | Policy Identifier: AEC200510 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Curriculum and Academic Reporting Policy for ACT Public Schools
Religion
Religious Education in ACT Public Schools Policy
This policy supports ACT public schools in delivering religious education in accordance with the Education Act, Section 29.
Policy | Policy Identifier: RES200812 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Facilities and Assets
Building Safety
Security Management Policy (Internal access only)
This policy embeds protective security as a core element of the Education and Training Directorate’s (the Directorate) planning and approval processes.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SM201408 | last updated(15 Jan 2016)
Community/out of hours use
Community Use of School Facilities Policy
This policy outlines the positive obligation on Directorate school based employees to ensure ACT public school facilities are made available for community use when the facilities are not in use by the school.
Policy | Policy Identifier: CUSF201511 | last updated (01 May 2021)
Implementation Documents:
Non-Government Schools
Privacy
Privacy and Personal Information
Privacy Policy (
46.2 KB)
This privacy statement sets out how the ACT Education Directorate manages personal information when performing its functions
Policy | | last updated (11 Sep 2018)
School Activities
Excursions
Excursions Policy
This policy establishes the basis for planning school excursions that minimises risk and ensures appropriate duty of care arrangements.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00046 | last updated (27 Apr 2021)
Implementation Documents:
Overseas Excursions Policy
This policy supports the planning in ACT public schools for overseas excursions.
Policy | Policy Identifier: OE201611 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Activities
Physical Activities Policy
This policy establishes a standard for conducting any Physical Activity that maximises the learning outcomes for all students, whilst minimising risk and ensuring appropriate duty of care arrangements.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00045 | last updated (27 Apr 2021)
Implementation Documents:
Swimming and Water Park Aquatic Activities Policy
This policy supports students’ participation in aquatic activities in a safe environment.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00003 | last updated (06 Mar 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Swimming Proficiency Test Video
Under the Directorate's Swimming and Water Park Activities Policy, principals must ensure that swimmers who have not passed the Royal Life Saving Society Survival Challenge Proficiency Test do not participate in unstructured activities in water depths at or above the student’s waist. A video outlining the required steps for conducting the proficiency test is now accessible to all schools at https://youtu.be/J_o7bKuDsj0
Swimming and Water-Based Activities
Swimming and Water Park Aquatic Activities Policy
This policy supports students’ participation in aquatic activities in a safe environment.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00003 | last updated (06 Mar 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Swimming Proficiency Test Video
Under the Directorate's Swimming and Water Park Activities Policy, principals must ensure that swimmers who have not passed the Royal Life Saving Society Survival Challenge Proficiency Test do not participate in unstructured activities in water depths at or above the student’s waist. A video outlining the required steps for conducting the proficiency test is now accessible to all schools at https://youtu.be/J_o7bKuDsj0
School Administration and Management
Animal Welfare
Care and Use of Animals in ACT Schools Policy
This policy and associated Care and Use of Animals in ACT Public Schools Procedures (the Procedures) establish the responsibilities and requirements of ACT public schools in care and use of animals for educational purposes.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 2019/002 | last updated (27 Apr 2023)
Implementation Documents:
Complaints
Review of Decisions Policy
This policy and its related procedures provide information about which decisions under the Education Act 2004 are reviewable.
Policy | Policy Identifier: ROD201601 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Complaints Management
Complaints Management Policy
This policy provides guidance on the Directorate’s approach to managing complaints in relation to, or about incidents that occur at, ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00042 | last updated (10 Aug 2023)
Implementation documents:
Related Policies and Information:
Food and Drink
ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy
This policy promotes a consistent, whole school approach to the provision and sale of healthy food and drinks in ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: FAD201502 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Issues Management
Review of Decisions Policy
This policy and its related procedures provide information about which decisions under the Education Act 2004 are reviewable.
Policy | Policy Identifier: ROD201601 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Temporary Closure of Schools Policy
This policy describes the circumstances where a temporary school closure may occur and who has the authority to make this decision.
Policy | Policy Identifier: TCS201406 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Records Management
Access Student Records Policy
This policy supports the Education Directorate (the Directorate) in meeting legislative requirements and community expectations in relation to the sensitive management of academic, personal and other records relating to current and past students of ACT public schools and of those who access Directorate programs and services including home education and Australian School-Based Apprenticeships.
Policy | Policy Identifier: ASR201705 | last updated (26 Mar 2020)
Implementation Documents:
Records Management Policy
This policy supports the Education and Training Directorate’s (the Directorate) legislative requirements under the Territory Records Act 2002 (the Act).
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00084 | last updated (12 May 2021)
Reporting
School Administration System User Access Policy
This policy establishes the basis for controlling access to the Student Administration System (the System) and ensuring the incidence and impact of inappropriate access are minimised.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SASUA201308 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
School Management
Alcohol Policy
This policy explains the requirements of schools regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol in schools and school related activities.
Policy | Policy Identifier: APC201504 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Class Size Policy
This policy sets out the class size requirements across all school sectors within the ACT Public School system.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00038 | last updated (28 Aug 2020)
Implementation Documents:
Dress Standards and Uniforms in Canberra Public Schools Policy
This policy establishes the requirement for Canberra public schools, in consultation with the school board, to develop, document and adhere to school dress standards or authorised school uniform requirements.
Policy | Policy Identifier: DSU201608 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Family Law Policy
Dealing with Family Law Related Issues in Schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: FL201410 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Reportable Conduct Scheme Policy
The ACT Reportable Conduct Scheme (Scheme) is an employment-based child protections measure designed to ensure allegations and convictions against employees, related to abuse and misconduct against children, are identified and acted on appropriately.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00039 | last updated (04 May 2020)
Implementation Documents
Security Management Policy (Internal access only)
This policy embeds protective security as a core element of the Education and Training Directorate’s (the Directorate) planning and approval processes.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SM201408 | last updated (15 Jan 2016)
Supervision of Students on School Sites Policy
This policy establishes the arrangements for proper supervision of students while they are on school sites.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SOSS201508 | last updated (19 Dec 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Suspension,Transfer-and-Exclusion-Policy-2023.pdf (
527.6 KB)
This policy outlines the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate’s) responsibilities to support the application of a suspension, transfer or exclusion in ACT public schools consistent with the Education Act 2004 (the Act)
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00044 | last updated
(27 Jan 2023)
Temporary Closure of Schools Policy
This policy describes the circumstances where a temporary school closure may occur and who has the authority to make this decision.
Policy | Policy Identifier: TCS201406 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Work, Health and Safety
First Aid Policy
This policy frames the provision of first aid and first aid facilities in the Education Directorate (Directorate) workplaces, schools and office environments.
Policy | Policy Identifier: FAP201512 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Managing Employee Absences Policy
This policy sets out employee and manager obligations concerning absence from the workplace and mandatory procedures for managing employee absences.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MEA201602 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Managing Occupational Violence Policy (
187.7 KB)
This policy sets out the commitment of the ACT Education Directorate to ensure the risk of occupational violence to staff in workplaces is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable, to minimise the impact of any exposure and to provide rapid response and appropriate support following any incident.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOV201707 | last updated
(24 Jul 2017)
Managing Occupational Violence Policy (
66.1 KB)
This policy sets out the commitment of the ACT Education Directorate to ensure the risk of occupational violence to staff in workplaces is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable, to minimise the impact of any exposure and to provide rapid response and appropriate support following any incident.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOV201707 | last updated (02 Aug 2017)
Occupational Violence Management Plan (
251.6 KB)
The purpose of the Occupational Violence Management Plan (OVMP) is to give practical effect to the ACT Public Sector Managing Occupational Violence Policy 2012 and ACT Education Directorate Managing Occupational Violence Policy which provides a framework for the management of occupational violence risks across ACT Education Directorate workplaces.
Procedure | | last updated
(01 Aug 2017)
Occupational Violence Management Plan (
109.0 KB)
The purpose of the Occupational Violence Management Plan (OVMP) is to give practical effect to the ACT Public Sector Managing Occupational Violence Policy 2012 and ACT Education Directorate Managing Occupational Violence Policy which provides a framework for the management of occupational violence risks across ACT Education Directorate workplaces.
Procedure | | last updated (02 Aug 2017)
Risk Management Policy
This risk management policy describes the requirements, roles and responsibilities for establishing, monitoring and maintaining and reporting on risk management within the Education Directorate (the Directorate).
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00052 | last updated (12 May 2023)
Student Administration
Early Entry
Early Entry for Mobility Procedure (
727.7 KB)
Early Entry Mobility is for children who fall outside of the ACT age cut off and have parents in mobile employment positions, especially Australian Defence Force personnel.
Procedure | | last updated
(20 Dec 2016)
Early Entry for Mobility Procedure (
131.6 KB)
Early Entry Mobility is for children who fall outside of the ACT age cut off and have parents in mobile employment positions, especially Australian Defence Force personnel.
Procedure | | last updated (20 Dec 2016)
Enrolment and Attendance
Compulsory Education Student Enrolment and Attendance Policy
1.1 The objective of this policy is to outline the compulsory education requirements in the Education Act 2004 (ACT) (the Act), including the responsibilities of parents/carers, home educators and ACT public schools relating to enrolment and attendance
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00005 | last updated (02 Nov 2023)
International Students
Study Tours and Program International Visitor Policy
This policy supports the planning for international visitors participating in the Education and Training Directorate’s (the Directorate) study tours and education programs.
Policy | Policy Identifier: STPIV201307 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Student Management
Suspension,Transfer-and-Exclusion-Policy-2023.pdf (
527.6 KB)
This policy outlines the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate’s) responsibilities to support the application of a suspension, transfer or exclusion in ACT public schools consistent with the Education Act 2004 (the Act)
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00044 | last updated
(27 Jan 2023)
Student Records
Access Student Records Policy
This policy supports the Education Directorate (the Directorate) in meeting legislative requirements and community expectations in relation to the sensitive management of academic, personal and other records relating to current and past students of ACT public schools and of those who access Directorate programs and services including home education and Australian School-Based Apprenticeships.
Policy | Policy Identifier: ASR201705 | last updated (26 Mar 2020)
Implementation Documents:
School Administration System User Access Policy
This policy establishes the basis for controlling access to the Student Administration System (the System) and ensuring the incidence and impact of inappropriate access are minimised.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SASUA201308 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Uniforms
Dress Standards and Uniforms in Canberra Public Schools Policy
This policy establishes the requirement for Canberra public schools, in consultation with the school board, to develop, document and adhere to school dress standards or authorised school uniform requirements.
Policy | Policy Identifier: DSU201608 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Wellbeing
Accidents and Incidents
Managing Occupational Violence Policy (
187.7 KB)
This policy sets out the commitment of the ACT Education Directorate to ensure the risk of occupational violence to staff in workplaces is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable, to minimise the impact of any exposure and to provide rapid response and appropriate support following any incident.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOV201707 | last updated
(24 Jul 2017)
Managing Occupational Violence Policy (
66.1 KB)
This policy sets out the commitment of the ACT Education Directorate to ensure the risk of occupational violence to staff in workplaces is eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable, to minimise the impact of any exposure and to provide rapid response and appropriate support following any incident.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOV201707 | last updated (02 Aug 2017)
Occupational Violence Management Plan (
251.6 KB)
The purpose of the Occupational Violence Management Plan (OVMP) is to give practical effect to the ACT Public Sector Managing Occupational Violence Policy 2012 and ACT Education Directorate Managing Occupational Violence Policy which provides a framework for the management of occupational violence risks across ACT Education Directorate workplaces.
Procedure | | last updated
(01 Aug 2017)
Occupational Violence Management Plan (
109.0 KB)
The purpose of the Occupational Violence Management Plan (OVMP) is to give practical effect to the ACT Public Sector Managing Occupational Violence Policy 2012 and ACT Education Directorate Managing Occupational Violence Policy which provides a framework for the management of occupational violence risks across ACT Education Directorate workplaces.
Procedure | | last updated (02 Aug 2017)
Work Health and Safety Induction and Training Policy
This policy sets out the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate’s) workplace health and safety induction and training requirements under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act).
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00119 | last updated (30 Jun 2023)
Implementation Documents
Related Policies and Information
Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy
This policy sets out the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate) commitment to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of a safe working and learning environment for everyone at its workplaces.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00118 | last updated (30 Jun 2023)
Related Policies and Information
Child Protection
Family Law Policy
Dealing with Family Law Related Issues in Schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: FL201410 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Volunteers and Visitors in Schools Policy
This policy provides a framework for the involvement of volunteers and visitors in ACT public schools to support the delivery of educational programs and other activities for students, whilst providing students with a safe and positive learning environment and ensuring compliance with Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (the WWVP Act) obligations.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00023 | last updated (11 Mar 2022)
Health
First Aid Policy
This policy frames the provision of first aid and first aid facilities in the Education Directorate (Directorate) workplaces, schools and office environments.
Policy | Policy Identifier: FAP201512 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Head Lice Policy
1.1. This policy and related procedures outline the management process for when an outbreak of head lice occurs at an ACT public school.
Policy | Policy Identifier:00054 | last updated (06 Mar 2020)
Management of Eating and Drinking Support in ACT Public Schools Policy
This policy sets out the requirements of schools in supporting students who need assistance or supervision with the oral intake of food and/or drink. The policy does not cover the management of invasive health care procedures such as feeding or hydrating via a tube.
Policy | Policy Identifier: MOEADS201002 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Sun UV Protection Students Policy (
80.3 KB)
The ACT Education and Training Directorate (the Directorate) has a duty of care and responsibility to ensure that adequate sun protection is provided for all students and workers, including pre-service teachers and volunteers.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SUVPS201512 | last updated (18 Jan 2016)
Safety
Safe and Supportive Schools Policy
Canberra public schools are committed to providing positive and engaging environments where young people feel connected and respected, achieve success and are fully engaged in education.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SSS201611 | last updated (21 May 2021)
Implementation Documents:
Work Health and Safety Induction and Training Policy
This policy sets out the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate’s) workplace health and safety induction and training requirements under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act).
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00119 | last updated (30 Jun 2023)
Implementation Documents
Related Policies and Information
Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy
This policy sets out the ACT Education Directorate’s (the Directorate) commitment to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of a safe working and learning environment for everyone at its workplaces.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00118 | last updated (30 Jun 2023)
Related Policies and Information
Supervision
Supervision of Students on School Sites Policy
This policy establishes the arrangements for proper supervision of students while they are on school sites.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SOSS201508 | last updated (19 Dec 2019)
Implementation Documents:
Whole of Government Policies
Whole of Government Policies
Whole of Government Policies and Procedures (Internal access only)
This index is a centralised list of government policies and supporting documents, with links to view each document from its agency's website. Whole of government policies are developed by individual agencies to articulate a whole of government position, provide a framework for action by agencies and ensure a consistent approach across ACT Government.
Policies | | last updated (24 Dec 2015)