Queensland Government responds to review of non-state schools accreditation framework

• The Miles Government has agreed in-principle to 21 recommendations from the Review of the Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework. 
• Implementation of priority actions starts immediately in response to feedback from parents, schools, the community and other stakeholders. 

The Miles Government has released its response to the review of the non-state schools accreditation framework.

Whether it is a large school such as Brisbane Boys Grammar or Prep to Year 12 Blackall Range Independent School in Kureelpa with its 92 students, it is imperative non-state schools meet minimum common standards, making sure children can access the same basic education in a safe learning environment.

The purpose of the review was to make sure the powers of the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB) continue to be fit for purpose, modernise the regulations of non-state schools, meet community expectations and maintain public confidence and importantly deliver better outcomes for students.

Situations like what occurred at Citipointe Christian College shone a light on the lack of power and oversight the NSSAB had in its ability to make sure non-state schools met minimum common standards and the government will be looking at ways to strengthen it to improve regulation and oversight of the sector.

The review made 24 recommendations to modernise the regulation of the non-state schooling sector with 21 of the recommendations accepted in-principle by the government with the remaining recommendations, relating to a new statutory body, subject to further government consideration.

There will be a two-phase response, with implementation informed by the views of students, parents and non-state school stakeholders.

• Phase 1 starts immediately, with a focus on supporting student learning, safety and wellbeing. Work is underway modernising the regulatory approach of the independent non-state schools accreditation board. Development of a new student wellbeing and boarding schools standard will begin with stakeholders.  
• Phase 2 will consider longer-term legislative reform of non-state school regulation.

Ms Cheryl Vardon AO, who has a distinguished career as an educator, led the comprehensive independent review.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Di Farmer:

“The Miles Government supports the right of parents to choose the education they want for their children and non-state schools have a valued role in fostering this choice.

“The current legislation has been in place for five years and we are committed to responding to the review findings and the views of our non-state school community, the students and their families who were at the centre of the review.

“We are making sure the accreditation framework is fit for purpose, supports the provision of quality education and maintains public confidence in Queensland's non-state schools.

Quotes attributable to Independent Reviewer, Cheryl Vardon:

“This review is the result of a collaborative process that has considered both evolving approaches to education and the increasing public focus on the safety and wellbeing of students.

“I particularly wish to thank the many parents, school leaders and members of governing bodies for their readiness to participate in the review.

“They spoke openly about the challenges that non-state schools face, and their commitment to delivering education that is both sensitive to community needs, values and expectations, and rigorous in its compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.”

“There is positive momentum for change, and I trust that stakeholders will continue to be involved.”

Fast Facts

The review recommendations are the result of extensive research and consultation including:

• 39 written submissions from non-state schooling sector stakeholders,
• 15 roundtables attended by approximately 170 people,
• survey responses from approximately 800 Queensland non-state school parents, and
• interviews with select stakeholders. 

Background information

On 15 March 2023, Ms Cheryl Vardon was announced as the Independent Reviewer leading the non-state schools accreditation framework review.

Ms Vardon has a distinguished career as an educator and is recognised for her leadership in the protection of vulnerable children and young people.

She is an experienced reviewer of complex systems. In 2016 and 2017, Ms Vardon led a series of reviews for the Queensland Government leading to practical systems reform measures to keep vulnerable children more than safe. The reviews have become industry benchmarks.

Ms Vardon established and was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board in 2018 and currently chairs the North West Queensland Hospital and Health Services Board.

ENDS

 Media – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563