Education Security

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().29 August 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

The Department for Education behaviour support policy is based on international research and the legislative and social context of South Australian schools.

The behaviour support policy endorses a positive behaviour support approach, which is widely accepted as best practice in behavioural and biomedical science. This approach is used in disability, health, and education sectors globally, with its efficacy well established by research.

The Malinauskas Labor government is investing significantly to address violence in schools, having recognised the issue in opposition and made election commitments to address it. The Minister for Education, Training and Skills hosted a round table on violence in schools in 2022, and has released a range of immediate actions to address this issue.

This includes:

Positive behaviour for learning, which is currently being piloted in 41 schools across the state;

Additional professional learning for staff;

A strengthened respectful relationships and consent curriculum;

Targeted parents in education funding on violence prevention;

Restorative practices funding.

These initiatives build on key election commitments including 100FTE mental health and learning specialists and autism inclusion teachers—which are important in addressing violence in schools.

These programs are underpinned by robust evidence, including demonstrated improved outcomes when implemented with fidelity. Where there are concerns about safety in a school, the department provides significant additional resources and supports to address these issues.

These supports may include:

Enhanced leadership support and mentoring

Allocation of an onsite behaviour support coach

Support from a parent liaison officer

Enhanced security onsite.