The major change in the Ministerial Order 1359 (MO 1359) – to come into operation on 1 July 2022 and replace Ministerial Order 870 – is the updated definition of “school environment”.
The definition of the “school environment” is critical to understand the extent of your school’sObligations to comply with the Child Safety Standards. From 1 July 2022, the definition of “school environment” will change. MO 1359 gives more detail about the environment. It follows a pattern that expands the use of child safe standards beyond traditional school hours. Below is a comparison of the old and new definitions.
RTOs and training institutions are now part of the school environment
The expansion of the definition of “school environment” to encompass locations of the delivery of education and training by registered training organisations, TAFEs and non-school senior secondary providers means the school’s duty of care, and all child safety obligations under the Child Safe Standards, applies in these contexts.
Students cannot attend VET and VCAL courses off-campus, such as at a local TAFE, RTO or RTO. This means that the school cannot delegate its responsibility for child safety. Practically, this means that schools may need to begin working with TAFEs or RTOs in order to manage the child safety of their students and implement risk control and treatment.
Online Environments
The Child Safe Standards are increasing the emphasis on safety in physical and online environments. This is reflected in the additional information regarding online and virtual places. online environments. Moores has published information on Online safetyThe 2022 Child Safe Standards. You can find more resources to assist your school in implementing the changes required for MO 1359. You can express your interest in a webinar. Here.
