Policy Search

The new Policy Webpage provides one point of access to locate policies, procedures, guidelines and other supporting implementation materials. The Policy Webpage has been developed to simplify and improve access to policies by grouping related policies under common themes and search categories, providing a key word search option and an A-Z title search feature. Most policies have been transferred into the new policy template format. The original intent of those policies has not changed. read more.

How to search for policies:

Access and Equity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Early Entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children Procedure ( 194.8 KB)
Early Entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is available for children in the semester prior to their preschool year in an ACT Public School.
Procedure | | last updated (24 Jun 2019)

Early Entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children Procedure ( 92.5 KB)
Early Entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is available for children in the semester prior to their preschool year in an ACT Public School.
Procedure | | last updated (24 Jun 2019)

Disability Education

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:

This policy confirms the Education Directorate’s commitment to supporting students with disability in ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00093 | last updated (19 Jul 2024)

Implementation Documents:

English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD)

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)

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Gifted and Talented

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 (24 Apr 2024)

Implementation Documents:

International Students

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

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

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

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

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

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)

This policy and its attached guidelines define the parameters of acceptable use by students and parents of ICT resources provided by and through the Education and Training Directorate.
Policy | Policy Identifier: COAUIPS201310 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

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This policy defines the parameters of ICT management in schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: IMS201402 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

This policy covers the use of personal communications devices by students in ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00121 | last updated (12 Apr 2024)

Implementation Documents

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)

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Corporate Administration and Management

Internal Management

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)

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This policy outlines the responsibilities of staff to report suspected fraud and corruption.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00120 | last updated (28 Aug 2023)

Implementation Documents:

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 (02 Feb 2024)

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:

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)

Access to sensitive information must be strictly limited.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SIH200703 | last updated (31 Mar 2017)


| | last updated (31 Mar 2017)

This policy establishes the circumstances when scanned signatures can be used as a means of authenticating Education and Training Directorate (the Directorate) documents.
Policy | Policy Identifier: UOSSATD200905 | last updated (15 Jan 2016)

These procedures set out the approval processes and security measures in relation to the use of scanned signatures as a means of authenticating Education and Training Directorate (the Directorate) documents.
Procedure | | last updated (15 Jan 2016)

Use of Scanned Signature Form
Guideline | | last updated (15 Jan 2016)

Curriculum

Curriculum Requirements

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

This policy outlines the requirements for curriculum planning and delivery, and the requirements for reporting student learning for all ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00025 | last updated (07 Aug 2023)

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Religion

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)

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Facilities and Assets

Building Safety

This policy supports the implementation of the ACT Government’s policy statement on Fire Safety and Emergency Planning.
Policy | Policy Identifier: EPFS201408 | last updated(15 Jan 2016)

This procedure contains information on the development of emergency management plans, established management structures and command, control and communications protocols for responding to emergency situations.
Procedure | | last updated(15 Jan 2016)

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

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)

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Non-Government Schools

Non-Government Schools

This policy supports legislative requirements to make available for the inspection by members of the public of documents relating to applications, registration panel reports and the register of non-government schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: IONGSA200906 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

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)

Access to sensitive information must be strictly limited.
Policy | Policy Identifier: SIH200703 | last updated (31 Mar 2017)


| | last updated (31 Mar 2017)

Preschool Policy and Procedure

Preschool Policy and Procedure

Preschool (ACT Public) Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisation Procedure ( 718.2 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for effective management of records relating to authorisations provided by parents and guardians of enrolled students.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-1 | last updated (04 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Complaints Procedure ( 715.7 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for making and the resolution of complaints made in reference to a public preschool.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-2 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Delivery and Collection of Children Procedure ( 721.2 KB)
This procedure describes the standard delivery and collection of children from ACT public preschools. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of all educators and parents/carers of children enrolled in these settings. The procedure provides established expectations regarding the release of children to authorised nominees.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-3 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Determining the Nominated Supervisor, Responsible Person and Educational Leader Procedure ( 720.2 KB)
The following procedure identifies clear processes for determining the Nominated Supervisor, Responsible Person, and Educational Leader within ACT Public Preschools.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-4 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Emergency Planning and Fire Safety Procedure ( 716.5 KB)
This procedure outlines the requirements and processes for planning for and responding to emergencies and evacuations.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-5 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Enrolment and Orientation Procedure ( 718.6 KB)
This procedure outlines the requirements and processes for enrolment and orientation in ACT public preschools.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-6 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Excursion Procedure ( 724.1 KB)
The following procedure covers the requirements for planning preschool excursions.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-7 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Interactions with Children ( 719.0 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for the development of positive respectful relationships with each child enrolled at a public preschool. Each child enrolled at a public preschool is supported to learn and develop in a secure and empowering environment.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-8 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Meal times Nutrition Dietary Requirements Food Handling and Storage ( 327.5 KB)
This procedure identifies expectations surrounding strategies to promote safe practices for handling, preparing, and storing food.
Procedure | Document No. 00PPP-9 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Medical Conditions Procedure ( 720.5 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for supporting preschool children who have been identified with specific medical conditions.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-10 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Participation of Practicum Students Guidelines ( 718.4 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for the participation of practicum students (practicum students) in public preschools.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-11 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Payment of Fees Procedure ( 714.5 KB)
This procedure provides guidance to nominated supervisors relating to the general principles of the Education Act 2004, which priorities the delivery of high quality, free education for all children attending a government school or preschool.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-12 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Provision of a Child-Safe Environment Procedure ( 719.7 KB)
This procedure identifies expectations surrounding the provision of a child-safe environment within all ACT public preschools.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-13 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Sleep and Rest Procedure ( 722.9 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for supporting the implementation of sleep and rest practices for children of preschool age.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-14 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Staffing Guidelines ( 719.3 KB)
This procedure outlines strategies for engaging qualified staff with a range of experiences to provide quality education and care in the public preschool environment.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-15 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Transport Procedure ( 718.8 KB)
This procedure outlines the requirements and processes for transportation of children other than as excursions.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-16 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Voluntary Contributions and Provision of a Statement Procedure ( 281.8 KB)
This document provides guidance relating to the general principles of the Education Act 2004, which priorities the delivery of high quality, free education for all children attending a government school or preschool.
Procedure | Document No. 00PPP-12 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

Preschool (ACT Public) Waiver Procedure ( 721.3 KB)
The following procedure covers the procedures for service and temporary waivers.
Procedure | Document number: 00PPP-18 | last updated (05 Apr 2024)

School Activities

Excursions

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 (04 Jun 2024)

Implementation Documents:

This policy sets out requirements for schools to plan for and safely undertake overseas excursions.
Policy | Policy Identifier:00081 | last updated (29 Feb 2024)

Implementation Documents

Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Activities

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 (21 Jun 2024)

Implementation Documents:

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

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

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: 00002 | last updated (29 Jan 2024)

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Complaints

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:

Unwelcome Visitors Directing Unwelcome Visitors from Schools Guide.pdf ( 430.4 KB)
A guide to assist principals and authorised persons in understanding and exercising the powers outlined in section 147 of the Education Act 2004 in managing unwelcome visitors on school premises.
Guide | Policy Identifier: PD00112 | last updated (09 Jun 2022)

Complaints Management

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

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)

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Issues Management

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:

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:

Unwelcome Visitors Directing Unwelcome Visitors from Schools Guide.pdf ( 430.4 KB)
A guide to assist principals and authorised persons in understanding and exercising the powers outlined in section 147 of the Education Act 2004 in managing unwelcome visitors on school premises.
Guide | Policy Identifier: PD00112 | last updated (09 Jun 2022)

Records Management

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:

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)

School Administration System User Access Procedure ( 197.8 KB)
These procedures set out the responsibilities of the ACT Education Directorate (the Directorate), its staff and School Administration System (SAS) administrators to regularly review the system to ensure that access is only available to staff with a business need. These procedures must be read in conjunction with the ACT Government Acceptable Use of ICT Resources Policy and ACT Government Cyber Security Policy.
Procedure | | last updated (14 Jun 2024)

Reporting

This policy supports reporting by school staff of child abuse and neglect.
Policy | Policy Identifier: CPRCAN201007 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

This policy and associated procedures guide the Directorate in managing and reporting critical incidents by providing clear advice.
Policy | Policy Identifier: CNCIMR201301 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

This policy supports schools in developing positive partnerships with their communities through reporting and complying with ACT and Australian Government requirements.
Policy | Policy Identifier: RCS200605 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

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 (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

School Management

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)

This policy supports reporting by school staff of child abuse and neglect.
Policy | Policy Identifier: CPRCAN201007 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

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:

This policy and associated procedures guide the Directorate in managing and reporting critical incidents by providing clear advice.
Policy | Policy Identifier: CNCIMR201301 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

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)

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Dealing with Family Law Related Issues in Schools
Policy | Policy Identifier: FL201410 | last updated (17 Apr 2019)

Implementation Documents:

This policy outlines outbreak procedures and exclusion periods for infectious diseases in ACT public schools.
Policy | Policy Identifier: IDOE201603 | last updated (27 Jun 2023)

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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

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)

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:

The purpose of this policy is to outline how the ACT Education Directorate (the Directorate), including ACT public schools, complies with the Education Act 2004 (the Act) when suspending, transferring or excluding a student from an ACT public school.
Policy | Policy Identifier: 00044 | last updated (10 Apr 2024)

Implementation Documents:

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:

Volunteers and Visitors

Unwelcome Visitors Directing Unwelcome Visitors from Schools Guide.pdf ( 430.4 KB)
A guide to assist principals and authorised persons in understanding and exercising the powers outlined in section 147 of the Education Act 2004 in managing unwelcome visitors on school premises.
Guide | Policy Identifier: PD00112 | last updated (09 Jun 2022)

Work, Health and Safety

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: