Policy for School-Community/Business Partnerships

The new Framework for Developing School-Business/Community Relationships policy was launched by the Minister for Education, Mr Gude, on October 18.

"Relationships beyond the school gate are required for a vibrant school system. This policy recognises that public education is enhanced and enriched by partnerships between business, the community and education," Mr. Gude said.

"Opportunities for schools in forming links with local community and business organisations are immense, however, School Councils need a clear policy framework within which to manage such relationships.

"At the end of the day, these partnerships are about enhancing educational opportunities for students and we've already seen several concrete examples of this," Mr. Gude said.

• A school in Doveton receives automotive parts for the repair of damaged cars as part of their Vocational Education and Training program.
• A number of schools have entered into Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) projects for the development of facilities such as swimming pools and basketball stadiums.
• Hotels and restaurants allow Vocational Education and Training students to train in their facilities
  

"This policy makes it clear that any such relationships should not compromise the values of the school or its leadership and management independence," Mr. Gude said.

Under the policy:

• All school-community/business partnerships must directly contribute to enhancing educational opportunity for students or have some educational purpose;
• A copy of all documents relating to the relationship must be made available to the Department of Education or for audit purposes;
• Such partnerships should not restrict the choice of parents and students in the purchasing of goods and services;
• School-community/business partnerships will be limited to persons who can demonstrate an involvement that will contribute to the educational purposes of the school and a public image that is consistent with the values, goals and policies of the Department and the local school community;
• Arrangements must comply with the National Competition Code;
• Arrangements with schools of a direct nature must not be entered into with companies involved with tobacco, alcohol or gambling, offensive materials or themes; and
• School Council approval is required for all agreements between the schools and outside bodies.