Requirements For Schools To Formulate Girls School Uniforms Policies

The right for any school in Australia to formulate appropriate policies regarding dress code is firmly supported by the Education Act 1972. However, this doesn't mean that administrators in such schools can just force their own tastes and preferences on students. On the contrary, the Department of Education and Child Development requires school councils to follow specific guidelines while formulating any policies regarding school attire.

Here are some of the requirements in formulating girl school uniforms:

1. Consulting Everyone

Councils tasked with the duty of formulating uniform policies are required to consult all students and parents. This means that representatives of both parents and students must be present during the formulation process. Such inclusivity will ensure that all rules adequately cater for the needs of everyone, including impoverished students, students at risk and adult learners.

2. Awareness Of Policies

Of course, every rule must adhere to all existing and relevant regulatory requirements. Hence, councils must be well-versed in the prevailing laws that govern learning institutions. Such laws are designed to foster supportive learning environments that are safe and free of discrimination.

The relevant Acts of Parliament and polices include:

(i) Education Act 1972

This act provides details concerning compulsory school attendance. It's a mandatory obligation for parents to make it possible for their children, of compulsory school age, to attend classes. Neglecting such a duty bears a penalty, since it is an offence.

By understanding such requirements, the school council will make sure that whatever uniform polices it formulates will also not hinder attendance of students.

(ii) Education Regulations Under The Education Act

The Australian Education Act 2013 provides a detailed framework concerning the funding arrangements for schools. This is complemented by the Australian Education Regulation 2013, which outlines fundamental aspects of financial accountability. Evidently, knowledge of such details is critically important in ensuring that use of school finances, related to implementation of uniform polices doesn't lead to contravention of legal requirements.

(iii) Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (OHSW) Act 1986

The OHSW Act provides a wide variety of guidelines, instrumental in creating safe and healthy work places. Just as any workplace environment, schools also have health and safety concerns. Such safety issues can affect many aspects of the school environment. Even the type of clothing students are required to wear has the potential of affecting students' health or safety.

(iv) DECS Bullying And Harassment At School Guideline

The Department of Education and Children's Services provides clear guidelines concerning management of bullying and harassment within schools. This is quite useful since both parents and school administrators must know how to use proper discretion when handling such situations. This can have an impact on correctional measures regarding uniforms, since some instances of bullying also involve theft of or damage to school uniforms.

(v) DECS Disability Discrimination Policy

This policy provides a useful framework for the inclusion of students with disabilities within learning institutions. Such a category of students requires a bit more supportive care in order to maximize their true potential and excel in their academic pursuits. Therefore, any rules concerning school attire should not be detrimental to their pursuits.


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Emma regularly reviews issues related to school polices. He also offers useful insights to parents and administrators. Parents and schools can source for high quality uniforms from School Uniforms Australia, visit http://www.schooluniformsaustralia.com.au/girls-uniform-shop.html .