Non-state schools accreditation framework review

An independent review of the non-state schools accreditation framework was completed with the release of the final report in March 2023. The final report outlined recommendations to ensure a contemporary non-state schools accreditation framework.

The review finding made recommendations related to 4 key themes:

• Culture, collaboration and communication: The role of Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) and its Secretariat provides stewardship through a collaborative culture, aiming to educate and support non-state schools to achieve and maintain compliance through clear and open communication.
• Clarity and consistency: Non-state schools must have clear guidance about what is required of them under the legislation. This must be consistent internally and with the advice provided by other education regulators.
• Compliance: Compliance with legislation is critical to upholding the standards the community expects. Opportunities exist to streamline compliance monitoring that can benefit schools, governing bodies and NSSAB.
• Community confidence: Upholding community confidence in non-state schools and their regulation will occur by strengthening the regulation of student wellbeing, as well as governance of NSSAB and non-state school governing bodies.

The review was informed by significant consultation including 39 written submissions, 15 roundtables attended by approximately 170 people, a survey of Queensland non-state school parents and interviews with selected stakeholders.

Access the 20 written submissions that consented to be made publicly available.

Progressing the government's response to the review

The Queensland Government response outlines 21 recommendations that have been accepted in-principle for implementation from 2024 and a further 3, relating to the establishment of a new governance structure, to be considered further. This work is progressing in collaboration with the non-state schooling sector and being led by a dedicated non-state schools accreditation framework taskforce in the Department of Education.

Progression of this work will ensure all Queensland non-state schools meet minimum common standards, and that all students have access to the same basic education and safe learning environment, no matter which school they attend in Queensland.

Key timelines

• Work has commenced with the Non-State School Accreditation Board focusing on immediate and short-term priorities that can be progressed without legislative or regulatory changes.
• The Department of Education's taskforce will focus on
  • progressing any legislative change required
  • Non-State Schools Accreditation Board governance updates
  • co-designing student wellbeing standards and boarding school standards
  • exploring a risk-based approach to regulation
  • developing an approach to complaints and compliance and a case management approach to new school's accreditation.

How we will work

Activities will be carried out collaboratively with the non-state school sector to develop an approach that is fit for purpose, and meets the needs of the sector and the community.

The department is leading this effort through the taskforce. A representative group from across the sector (stakeholder reference group) will also provide input and feedback to help co-create key approaches, while technical experts will provide specific technical knowledge and advice.

Targeted engagement and communication will be undertaken across the sector to keep key stakeholders informed and seek feedback at key times.

Taskforce:

Download the taskforce diagram.

Stakeholder reference group (SRG)

A representative group from across the sector is providing input and feedback on considerations related to the delivery of the Queensland Government's response to the review. Membership includes representation from:

• Department of Education (DoE)
• Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB)
• Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ)
• Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC)
• Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA)
• Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT)
• up to 2 teacher and/or principal nominees representing non-state schools (with 1 nominee each from ISQ and QCEC)
• Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ)*.

*By agreement with Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network (QISPN), the CSPQ representative will also represent QISPN, with QISPN to provide a proxy if CSPQ are unable to attend a meeting.

Queensland Government response guiding principles

Progress of the Queensland Government's response to the review will occur in a way that:

• is coordinated, timely, fit-for-purpose and effective
• is informed by data and evidence
• involves collaboration and communication with stakeholders, internal and external to the Queensland Government
• best aligns with the public interest and the government's strategic priorities, such as upholding of human rights
• is broadly understood and welcomed by Queensland's non-state schooling sector and schools.

Contact us

For more information, contact the taskforce at NSSAFRI@qed.qld.gov.au.

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