Schools with boarding facilities
What requirements should schools comply with in providing boarding facilities?
Section 3.11 of the Registered and Accredited Individual Non-government Schools (NSW) Manual and Section 5.11 of the Registration Systems and Member Non-government Schools (NSW) Manual detail the additional requirements for schools with boarding facilities. These requirements include having in place and implementing policies and procedures in relation to:
- providing aims and guiding principles in relation to boarding to stakeholders in a student's education and welfare
- providing accommodation that complies with legislative obligations
- the rights and responsibilities of boarders
- meeting legislative requirements in relation to child protection
- minimising the risk of harm for boarders
- providing for and monitoring boarders' physical wellbeing and development
- providing for and monitoring boarders' personal development and emotional wellbeing
- day-to-day management of the boarding accommodation and facilities that meets legislative requirements.
What are the requirements for schools in ensuring that the risk of harm is minimised for boarders?
A registered non-government school must have in place and implement policies and procedures that include supervision, with specific reference to:
- identification of staff with allocated responsibility for students over a twenty-four (24) hour period
- procedures for monitoring the whereabouts of students over a twenty-four (24) hour period
- protocols and guidelines, including risk management, for boarders undertaking on-site and off-site activities
- protocols for leave and travel arrangements.
What are the requirements for schools in relation to the provision of health care for boarders?
A registered non-government school must have in place and implement policies and procedures that include:
- twenty-four (24) hour access to emergency medical assistance
- training of all staff directly involved in the supervision of boarders to the equivalent of Provide First Aid (HLTAID003)
- monitoring the physical health of boarders
- consent from and notification of parents/guardians regarding the administration of first aid and medical care
- managing communicable and infectious diseases
- managing immunisation and screening
- distribution and monitoring of medication
- care of ill boarders
- ancillary health services, including facilities and personnel available on-site and off-site and how to access these services.