These procedures aim to maximise the flexibility available to school communities in the configuration of the school day within the constraints of legislation and industrial agreements. The Director General determines the days in each year on which government schools are to be open for educational instruction of students.

This policy and procedures outlines for all employees of the Department of Education to follow when travelling on a trip authorised by the Department.

The policy requires all employees to manage risks. It provides guidance on risk management and business continuity planning by integrating risk identification, assessment and reporting into everyday operations.

This policy explains what ‘duty of care’ means, how teaching staff may discharge their duty of care to students, and circumstances in which non-teaching staff, external providers and volunteers may owe students a duty of care.

The Department of Education recognises and supports the diverse needs of all students. This policy is to establish school processes to identify, provide for, monitor and report on students who may be at educational risk.

This framework must be read in conjunction with the Injury Management and Workers' Compensation policy.