Better Behaviour Centres

In reply to Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (29 July 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Higher Education and Skills): I have been advised of the following:

There are four metropolitan primary centres and two regional secondary centres, all co-located with mainstream schools.

Metropolitan primary BBCs run two groups of part-time students, each for two days per week, with a maximum of 10 students per group. The students are in years 3 to 7. Students attend their enrolled school for the rest of the week. The total maximum capacity for each primary BBC is 20 students placed for up to 4 terms.

Regional secondary BBCs have full-time students placed for up to two terms with a maximum capacity for 15 students. The students are in years 8 to 10.

Changes to maximum capacity or an increase in placement flexibility is limited by the staff to student ration which reflects the complexity of the BBCs' targeted student cohort. This is consistent with the Department for Education and Child Development's industrial arrangements for sites and centres designated as behaviour units.