About the review
In October 2022, the Queensland Government announced a comprehensive, independent review of the accreditation framework used for non-state schools in Queensland and released the review's
Terms of Reference.
The Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework (the Accreditation Framework) is embedded within the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017 and Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Regulation 2017.
The purpose of the review is to make sure the accreditation framework is fit for purpose, supports the provision of quality education and maintains public confidence in Queensland's non-state schools.
In line with the Terms of Reference, the review will look at the regulation of non-state schools in other jurisdictions, assess the powers currently in place, consider the balance between imposing standards and minimising regulatory burden, and make recommendations for improvements.
The review will not consider or make recommendations about state schooling, home education, government funding of non-state schools, or regulatory or standards frameworks in other fields.
About the Independent Reviewer
On 15 March 2023, the Queensland Government
announced the appointment of Ms Cheryl Vardon 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.
Ms Vardon brings unique insights into contemporary governance frameworks.
In delivering her independent findings and recommendations to the Minister for Education, Ms Vardon will be supported by a dedicated team within the Department of Education.
Review principles
The review will be guided by the following principles.
- Students and their families are at the centre of the review.
- A quality, safe and supportive educational environment is essential for students to learn and thrive.
- Choice of schools for families is an important part of the Queensland education system.
- Consultation and collaboration will underpin findings for a contemporary regulatory environment.
Call for submissions
Stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission to the review.
A
submission guide has been developed to assist stakeholders in preparing a submission, in line with the review's Terms of Reference.
This guide takes a thematic approach to the Terms of Reference, mapping each term of reference to the relevant theme. It also includes questions to consider in preparing a submission.
Submissions close at
5pm, Monday 15 May 2023.
The Independent Reviewer will also be holding a small number of roundtables. To express your interest in participating, please email
NSSAF.Review@qed.qld.gov.au.
How to make a submission
Written submissions, which are encouraged to consider the questions provided in the
submission guide, should be emailed to
NSSAF.Review@qed.qld.gov.au.
Please include the name of your organisation and contact information in your submission. All submissions will be published online, unless the submission clearly indicates it is provided in confidence.
Contact us
All enquiries regarding the review should be emailed to
NSSAF.Review@qed.qld.gov.au.