An independent
review of the non-state schools accreditation framework was released in March 2023. The review made recommendations to ensure a contemporary non-state schools accreditation framework and the delivery of safe, high-quality education.
The review's recommendations are related to 4 key themes:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A non-state schools accreditation framework taskforce within the Department of Education has engaged key stakeholders to develop strategies to implement the recommendations accepted by the government including the co-design of a prototype standard for boarding schools.
In response to the review’s recommendations, NSSAB has:
- enhanced its communication with non-state schools through regulatory e-Bulletins
- hosted forums with non-state schools on critical issues such as governance and cyberbullying
- released a regulatory approach statement
- developed revised guidelines for educational programs for non-state schools.
The department will continue to work with NSSAB, non-state schools, parent groups and other key stakeholders to progress the endorsed review’s recommendations.
Contact us
For more information, contact externalrelationsandresearch@qed.qld.gov.au.