Student Enrolment, Separated Parents

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS (1 August 2018).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Minister for Education has been advised of the following:

1. The enrolment of students with separated parents is proposed to be covered in the Department for Education's enrolment policy.

The department's enrolment policy has undergone a significant and comprehensive review and internal consultation process. The draft policy, which has been significantly edited and updated, now includes preschool enrolment and will be supported by a suite of procedures.

These procedures will provide site leaders with specific guidance around key policy areas, including preschool enrolment, placement, admission, and transfers, preschool and schools registration of interest process and year level placement.

It is envisaged that the draft policy and suite of procedures will be released for external consultation in the coming months.

2. In relation to family disputes, Ms Maschotta's concerns were considered as part of the overall policy review, in particular the family dispute information. In the meantime, site leaders use the detailed instructions provided by the department in 2012 and are able to seek support on a case by case basis from the department's legal services directorate.

The department is aware of a small number of similar cases, all of which have been managed at the local level. It is not appropriate for schools to be involved in family disputes. Schools are required by the department to make enrolment decisions based on the best interests of the child and their continued attendance and education at school.