School Decision Making in Family Disputes policy

1. Policy statement

This policy, procedures and the guidelines for School Decision Making in Family Disputes assist school staff to understand their responsibilities and supports informed decision-making regarding family dispute matters that impact on the educational program of a student and/or the operations of a school.

Where the circumstances require action by the school, the school will be guided by considering and balancing its paramount considerations:

the best educational interests of the student
the safety and welfare of students on school premises or involved in a school activity
maintaining the day-to-day operation and management of the school, and all persons on school premises.

The school will engage in a collaborative and respectful manner with the student’s parents or family members. This is the preferred means of undertaking substantive decisions for a student’s education. Where a collaborative approach is not possible, principals and teachers will continue to act in a manner consistent with the school’s paramount considerations.

A student’s circumstances can be affected by court orders. Where possible and appropriate the school will assist the parties to meet their obligations under the orders. However, the school will not interpret, mediate or police a court order on behalf of either party.