Expulsions

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all Victorian government schools comply with legislative and department policy requirements when implementing student expulsion procedures.

Summary

• This policy applies to all Victorian government schools and reflects the requirements set out in Ministerial Order 1125 – Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Students in Government Schools (PDF).
• Only principals have authority to make the decision to expel a student. This authority cannot be delegated.
• Principals must not expel a student who is aged 8 years or less without the Secretary’s approval.
• Detailed procedural considerations and requirements exist for the expulsion process and it is essential that principals refer to and follow the full mandatory expulsion guidelines and procedures in the Guidance tab when they are considering expelling a student
• Additional actions must be taken by a principal considering expelling a student who is in out-of-home care, a Koorie student, a student with substantial or extensive levels of adjustment as defined by the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on School Students with Disability, or an overseas student.

Details

School must refer to and apply the procedures set out in the mandatory expulsion guidelines in the Guidance tab.

Background

Ministerial Order 1125 took effect on 16 July 2018. The Order defines the grounds and process for suspensions, expulsions and appeals relating to expulsions of students in Victorian government schools. The Ministerial Order must be complied with in a manner which is consistent with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.

Application

This policy applies to all Victorian government schools and reflects the requirements set out in Ministerial Order 1125 – Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Students in Government Schools (PDF). The Expulsion Guidelines and Procedures have been developed to support and guide principals to meet their obligations when they are considering expelling a student from a Victorian government school.

Authority to expel

Only principals have authority to make the decision to expel a student. This authority cannot be delegated.

Principals must not expel a student who is aged 8 years or less without the Secretary’s approval.

Grounds for expulsion

A principal may expel a student from the school if, whilst attending school, travelling to and from school or engaging in any school related activity away from school (including when travelling to or from that activity) the student:

1. behaves in such a way as to pose a danger, whether actual, perceived or threatened, to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person
2. causes significant damage to or destruction of property
3. commits or attempts to commit or is knowingly involved in the theft of property
4. possesses, uses or sells or deliberately assists another person to possess, use or sell illicit substances or weapons
5. fails to comply with any clear and reasonable instruction of a staff member so as to pose a danger, whether actual, perceived or threatened, to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person
6. consistently engages in behaviour that vilifies, defames, degrades or humiliates another person based on age, breastfeeding, gender, identity, impairment, industrial activity, lawful sexual activity, marital status, parent or carer status or status as a carer, physical features, political belief or activity, pregnancy, race, religious belief or activity, sex, sexual orientation, personal association (whether as a relative or otherwise) with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes
7. consistently behaves in an unproductive manner that interferes with the wellbeing, safety or educational opportunities of any other student

and the student's behaviour is of such magnitude that, having regard to the need of the student to receive an education compared to the need to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of other students and staff at the school and the need to maintain the effectiveness of the school's educational programs, expulsion is the only available mechanism.

Procedures for expulsion

When a behavioural incident(s) is of such magnitude that an expulsion is considered, it is important that a transparent, fair and supportive process is in place for all parties involved, with appropriate checks and balances at each stage.

Interventions and supports should be implemented and thoroughly documented well before an expulsion is considered by a principal. Expulsions are a serious disciplinary measure in Victorian government schools and should only be used as a last resort when all other disciplinary measures, interventions, supports and options have been exhausted.

Detailed expulsion guidelines and procedures exist for the expulsion and expulsion appeal process. To ensure expulsion processes are lawful and consistent with the department’s policy expectations, it is essential that principals follow these guidelines and procedures, set out in the Guidance tab.

It is critical that students involved in expulsion procedures are supported throughout the process. Where there has been a history of challenging behaviours, it is also critical that schools consider whether or not sufficient interventions and supports have been implemented, prior to making an expulsion decision.

Additional measures are in place to support vulnerable students and to comply with the additional requirements set out in Ministerial Order 1125.

Expulsion appeals

In keeping with principles of procedural fairness and natural justice, a decision to expel a student from a Victorian government school can be appealed by the student or their parent or carer.

An expulsion can be appealed on the following grounds:

• a student has a history of behavioural issues, and there is insufficient evidence of prior interventions designed to address the behaviour and support the student
• the grounds on which the student was expelled are considered unfair
• the expulsion process was not followed by the principal
• other extenuating circumstances.

Further information on the expulsion appeal process is available on the Guidance tab.

In rare circumstances where an expulsion is overturned on appeal and the principal holds significant ongoing concerns for the students at the school, a principal may refer the matter to the student safety and wellbeing expert panel. Further information on the expert panel, is available on the Guidance tab.

Contacts

Schools may contact their regional engagement coordinator for support with the expulsion process.

Refer to Office locations for contact details for each regional office.

Related policies

• Behaviour — Students
• Student Engagement
• Suspensions

Relevant legislation

• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
• Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)
• Ministerial Order 1125 – Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Students in Government Schools (PDF)
• Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)

Expulsion guidelines and procedures for Victorian government schools

These guidelines contain the following chapters:

• Overview
• Interventions and supports
• Reflect and investigate
• Behaviour Support and Intervention Meeting
• Decision
• Supported transition
• Appeals

Note

Throughout this guidance the term Koorie is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Use of the terms Aboriginal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous are retained in the names of programs and initiatives and unless noted otherwise are inclusive of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Overview

Every child and young person deserves a good quality education and has a legal right to attend a Victorian government school. Upholding this right and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students are top priorities in the Victorian government education system.

Intervening early to understand and address the underlying factors that influence and trigger behaviours of concern in students is key to supporting children and young people to be connected and engaged in education. Recognising the fundamental importance of relationships, principals support and encourage the whole school community to resolve differences peacefully and respectfully at the school level.

On rare occasions, an individual student’s behaviour may compromise the health, safety and wellbeing of other students and staff at the school. When a behavioural incident is of such magnitude that an expulsion is considered, it is important that a transparent, fair and supportive process is in place, with appropriate checks and balances at each stage.

The Victorian government school expulsion process is underpinned by a focus on procedural fairness and comprehensive support for all students. It aims to ensure that opportunities are provided to thoroughly consider the effect of a student’s behaviour on all affected parties, and that decisions are informed by the safety, wellbeing and educational interests of the individual student and the school community. It also aims to ensure that vulnerable students who are a greater risk of poor educational outcomes are appropriately supported.

In the rare instance that the decision is made to expel a student, the department will work closely with the student and their family to ensure they are supported to successfully transition to a new educational setting as soon as possible. This policy and guidance is based on the principle that no child will be excluded from the Victorian government school system, even if they are expelled from an individual school.

These guidelines and procedures apply to all Victorian government schools and reflects the requirements set out in Ministerial Order 1125 – Procedures for suspension and expulsion of students in government schools (PDF). The content has been developed to support and guide principals to meet their obligations when they are considering expelling a student from a Victorian government school and are mandatory for principals to follow.

The Expulsion Policy, Guidance and Procedures should be read in conjunction with the department’s Student Engagement Policy and associated guidance and resources.

For a one-page overview of the Victorian government expulsion process refer to:

• Expulsion Policy overview (DOCX)
• Expulsion Policy overview (PDF)

Interventions and supports

Understanding and addressing the underlying factors that influence and trigger behaviour is key to supporting students to be happy, connected and engaged in education. Where students repeatedly demonstrate behaviours of concern, schools should implement structured intervention strategies as part of a staged response to address the behaviours.

Interventions and supports implemented at the school-level may include:

• whole school strategies to build a positive culture and professional learning to build the capacity of school staff, for example through school-wide positive behaviour support and Respectful Relationships
• individualised interventions and supports, for example supports developed and delivered by allied health professionals, including Student Support Services, and modifications to routine and learning environments
• targeted intervention and supports for vulnerable students, for example students in out-of-home care, students with a disability and Koorie students

Where behaviours escalate or are very complex, principals should seek support through the department’s area team and regional staff who can advise on, and facilitate access to, evidence-based interventions, expert supports and services, particularly for vulnerable students and students with complex needs.

Refer to Student Engagement for further advice on developing positive student behaviours and available interventions and supports.

Interventions and supports should be implemented and thoroughly documented well before an expulsion is considered by a principal. Expulsions are a serious disciplinary measure in Victorian government schools and should only be used as a last resort when all other disciplinary measures, interventions, supports and options have been exhausted.

In instances where there is no history of behavioural issues and an expulsion is being considered, principals may consider implementing interventions and supports rather than expelling a student.

Developing a behaviour support plan

Principals should ensure a behaviour support plan has been developed and implemented for all students who have a history of behavioural issues.

An effective behaviour support plan contributes to building respectful relationships, resilience, and well-adjusted students who are able to learn effectively, and may prevent behaviours from escalating. Templates and advice are available to assist schools to develop an effective behaviour support plan.

A behaviour support plan should be regularly revisited and updated to ensure it remains current.

For guidance on developing behaviour support plans refer to: Behaviour – Students: Behaviour Support Plans.

Support for resolving conflicts

Schools are encouraged to consider making use of conflict resolution supports to assist in resolving conflicts that may arise from behavioural incidents or conflicts. Conflict resolution can assist in de-escalating situations and help all parties to develop flexible and creative solutions to difficult situations. The process emphasises building positive relationships between all parties.

Conflict resolution supports should be explored for a range of conflicts that arise within a school environment, irrespective of whether a suspension or expulsion is being considered. It is important to recognise that conflict resolution will not be appropriate to use in all situations and should not be used when there are threats or violence, or where there is unwillingness from either party to participate.

The department has many internal avenues to help principals manage a conflict. Local area teams can advise principals on available supports and direct them to the relevant part of the department, the Central Complaints Team or the Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution.

Local area teams can also provide advice on, and access to, suitable third party conflict resolution services.

For further information on interventions and support for students refer to:

• School-wide positive behaviour support
• Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution
• For behaviour intervention, de-escalation and incident response; visit Behaviour — Students
• Behaviour Support at DET — online learning
• Student Support Services

Reflect and investigate

Following a behavioural incident of such magnitude that expulsion may be considered, it is critical to reflect and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure procedural fairness. Expulsion should not be a pre-determined outcome of this process.

Principals are encouraged to engage and collaborate with the department’s local area team and regional office about supports and interventions for the student that may not have been considered or implemented previously.

Principals are encouraged to use the Principal expulsion checklist (PDF) (staff login required) which reflects the requirements of Ministerial Order 1125. This document will assist principals in ensuring they acquit each step of the process, regardless of whether they proceed to an expulsion.

At the reflection and investigation stage, it is essential that all supports and interventions implemented are thoroughly documented, and proper consideration is given to the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) and anti-discrimination obligations. This is important to ensure the best outcome for a student, and to ensure that principals have sufficient written evidence to support an expulsion decision if it is later reviewed.

To facilitate reflection and a thorough investigation, critical actions for principals are:

• immediately responding to the incident
• establishing the context and details of the student’s behaviour
• considering the impact on affected parties, including other students at the school
• communicating with students and parent/carer
• considering human rights and anti-discrimination obligations
• only putting an immediate suspension in place if there is significant risk that cannot be managed with the student attending on site (suspensions of more than 5 consecutive school days must be approved by the regional director)
• contacting relevant area and regional staff
• taking into account the considerations and actions required for vulnerable students
• considering if new interventions and supports can be put in place
• considering if the behaviour meets one of the grounds for expulsion and is of significant magnitude to warrant proceeding through the expulsion process.

These actions may take place concurrently.

Immediate incident response

Some incidents will require an immediate response. The principal may need to activate the school’s emergency response management plan, report the incident, act on occupational health and safety (OHS) needs and inform a student’s parent/carer about the incident.

For further information on managing incidents at school, refer to:

• Reporting and Managing School Incidents (including emergencies)
• In the event that:
  • a student has been restrained or secluded, refer to the key actions in Restraint and Seclusion
  • the student is aged 10 or over and the behaviour may amount to a sexual offence, refer to the key actions in Responding to Student Sexual Offending.

Wellbeing supports

The wellbeing of principals, school staff and students is a priority throughout an expulsion process. The department is also committed to maintaining a safe workplace. Principals are encouraged to access supports available from a range of areas in the department.

For more information on OHS and wellbeing supports for employees, refer to Employee Health, Safety and Wellbeing — OHS Management System (OHSMS).

For information on principal health and wellbeing, refer to Principal Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Considering the grounds for expulsions

Expulsion is an option of last resort. On rare occasions, an individual student's behaviour may meet the grounds for expulsion.

A principal may only expel a student if, whilst attending school, travelling to and from school or engaging in any school activity away from school (including when travelling to or from that activity) the student engages in one or more of the following behaviours:

1. behaves in such a way as to pose a danger, whether actual, perceived or threatened, to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person
2. causes significant damage to or destruction of property
3. commits or attempts to commit or is knowingly involved in the theft of property
4. possesses, uses or sells or deliberately assists another person to possess, use or sell illicit substances or weapons
5. fails to comply with any clear and reasonable instruction of a staff member so as to pose a danger, whether actual, perceived or threatened, to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person
6. consistently engages in behaviour that vilifies, defames, degrades or humiliates another person based on age; breastfeeding; gender; identity; impairment; industrial activity; lawful sexual activity; marital status; parent/carer status or status as a carer; physical features; political belief or activity; pregnancy; race; religious belief or activity; sex; sexual orientation; personal association (whether as a relative or otherwise) with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes
7. consistently behaves in an unproductive manner that interferes with the wellbeing, safety or educational opportunities of any other student

and the student's behaviour is of such magnitude that, having regard to the need of the student to receive an education compared to the need to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of other students and staff at the school and the need to maintain the effectiveness of the school's educational programs, expulsion is the only available mechanism.

Students may only be expelled after a thorough investigation of the incident or incidents has been conducted.

Communicating with the parent or carer

When investigating a behavioural incident, it is important to communicate with the student and their parent/carer as soon as possible, so that they are aware of the situation and can put in place supports as required. Depending on the circumstances, this may happen prior to, or during the initial stages of an investigation.

When communicating with the student and their parent/carer, the principal should:

• provide details of the alleged incident or behaviour
• let them know an investigation is underway, and that this will be conducted fairly with consideration given to the student’s best interests and the safety and wellbeing of the school community
• seek any relevant information that could inform the investigation
• advise if a suspension is being put in place and follow the relevant suspension processes suspension processes
• establish if any other immediate wellbeing supports are needed that can be provided by the school or the local area team.

Refer to the Decision Making Responsibilities for Students Policy for information about who may act as the parent/carer.

Students with separated parents

For students who have separated parents, it important to remember that all parents and carers are entitled to be notified if there is a behavioural incident of such magnitude that expulsion may be considered. In circumstances where there is more than one parent/carer who would like to participate in the expulsion process, it is important to involve all of them.

If the principal needs advice and assistance on how to proceed with an expulsion in these circumstances, it is strongly recommended that they contact the department’s Legal Division by phone 03 9637 3146 or email legal.services@education.vic.gov.au

Adult students or mature minors

The law recognises that as children become older and more mature they are more capable of making their own decisions on a wide range of issues. Students who are adults (18 years or older), or considered to be a mature minor by the school for the purposes of expulsion issues, may request that their parent/carer not be contacted.

The principal should strongly encourage such students to have a support person. For further advice on determining whether a student a mature minor, refer to Decision Making Responsibilities for Students.

Considering human rights and anti-discrimination obligations

Every situation is unique and will require individual consideration of rights affected under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and principal’s anti-discrimination obligations.

Charter of Human Rights And Responsibilities Act 2006

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the Charter) is a Victorian law. The Charter sets out twenty human rights (a full list is available here). Every person in Victoria has these human rights.
When the principal is making a decision about whether or not to expel a student they must consider the Charter rights, and act compatibly with them.
The principal should consider the possible impact of the decision on any Charter rights and identify competing interests and obligations. For example, would an expulsion be compatible with:

• the right to equal and effective protection against discrimination
• a child’s right to protection as is in their best interests and cultural rights
• the right to privacy and reputation
• any other rights that may apply.

Charter rights are not absolute and some have their own specific limitations. Under the Charter, rights may generally be subject to reasonable limitations (for example, in some circumstances, a student’s Charter rights may be limited if their attendance at the school poses a genuine safety or security risk to others).

The principal must consider the implications for the person, or people, affected. A decision about expulsion may affect the rights of several people. In those cases, different rights and interests must be balanced.

If the principal is intending to take a decision or action which will limit a right under the Charter, the department’s Legal Division can help to assess whether the limit is reasonable and justified. Contact the department’s Legal Division by phone 03 9637 3146 or email legal.services@education.vic.gov.au

Anti-discrimination legislation

The rights of students with a disability are set out in both federal and state anti-discrimination legislation under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). This legislation imposes a positive obligation on schools to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for all students with disabilities to enable them to participate in their education on the same basis as their peers without a disability.

For example, the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 provides that if a student with a disability requires adjustments in order to participate in or derive any substantial benefit from an educational program, then reasonable adjustments must be made unless the student could not participate in or derive any substantial benefit from the educational program even after the adjustments are made.

The anti-discrimination legislation covers all students with a disability as defined in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The definition of disability is very wide and includes physical, intellectual, mental and medical impairments including disorders or malfunctions that result in a person learning differently (for example, learning disorders).

Whether an adjustment is reasonable or not depends on many factors and it is important when considering whether an adjustment is reasonable for principals to seek advice from the:

• local area team (via the regional office)
• Legal Division by phone 03 9637 3146 or email legal.services@education.vic.gov.au

In addition to the obligation to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, there is also a legal obligation not to directly or indirectly discriminate against a student because of a ‘protected attribute’. These attributes include disability, race, gender identity, sex, religious belief or activity, physical features, sexual orientation and a range of other attributes.

For assistance with assessing compliance with anti-discrimination laws, the principal should contact the department’s Legal Division by phone 03 9637 3146 or email legal.services@education.vic.gov.au

Putting an immediate suspension in place if appropriate

The principal may decide that the student should be suspended from school immediately while an expulsion is being considered, if the student’s behaviour is such that they are putting the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves or any other person at significant risk.

The principal must follow the suspension process set out in the Suspension Policy and associated guidance and procedures (which reflect the requirements under Ministerial Order 1125), and:

• ensure the behaviour meets the grounds for suspension
• provide the student and their parent/carer with the Notice of Suspension (staff login required)
• record the suspension in CASES21
• provide the student with meaningful work including developing a student absence learning plan if the suspension extends beyond 3 days.

Principals may not suspend a student for more than 5 consecutive school days without regional director approval. The regional director may only approve a longer period if the principal has implemented a suspension with immediate effect for the purposes of undertaking the expulsion procedures.

Allocating a teacher

It is important that a student is supported to remain engaged in their education during a suspension and throughout an expulsion process. The school should provide a student with work to support them to keep up with their learning and academic progress.

If a suspension is likely to extend beyond five days, a teacher should be designated as a key point of contact for the student and their family. Allocating a teacher will help to minimise disruption to the student’s education and ensure the school meets its obligations to support a student’s progress.

Ideally, the allocated teacher will be a teacher with whom the student has a positive relationship and who is able to support the student during the suspension and expulsion process.

The allocated teacher should:

• coordinate the collection of appropriate and meaningful tasks for the student to complete during the suspension
• endeavour to support the student to complete the work by maintaining high expectations and offering encouragement
• be a point of contact if the student has any questions about the work teachers have set
• monitor student mental health and wellbeing and ensure referral to support services where necessary
• inform planning of further support for the student and/or the planning for a supported transition in the event the student is expelled.

Contacting relevant regional staff

Engaging early and collaborating with regional staff will enable principals to be supported throughout the process, ensuring that the student is supported and that the correct expulsion process is followed.

There are regional staff who can provide support to principals and/or families throughout the expulsion process. These include the

• regional engagement coordinator
• regional approved support person
• area executive director and their local area teams
• regional director.

Regional engagement coordinators

There is a regional engagement coordinator in each of the department’s regions to:

• support principals to acquit the expulsion process
• connect principals to a regional approved support person
• connect principals with local area and regional staff who can advise on available interventions and supports
• connect students and their family with local area and regional supports during the expulsion process and in the event of an expulsion appeal
• support and monitor student transitions to a new setting, working with the local area team and principal, if a decision is made to expel a student – this includes to monitor and oversee compliance of the supported transition plan and student absence learning plan until the student has successfully transitioned to the identified setting.

Regional approved support person

Each region has a number of staff nominated to act as a regional approved support person for the purpose of an expulsion process. The principal will first contact the regional engagement coordinator who will then allocate a regional approved support person to the principal.

A regional approved support person's key responsibility is to provide advice and support to the principal throughout an expulsion process, and ensure the school and student have accessed all relevant interventions and supports. A regional approved support person will not take on any of the principal’s responsibilities or decision-making authority.

The principal must seek the support of a regional approved support person to:

• ensure all available supports and interventions to support the behaviours of concern are explored
• ensure alternative disciplinary measures are considered for the student
• attend the behaviour support and intervention meeting
• assist in implementing the actions agreed at the behaviour support and intervention meeting
• ensure that the appropriate education, training and/or employment options are considered for the student.

Considerations and actions for vulnerable students

Some cohorts of students face additional barriers to engaging in education, and it is important that additional measures are in place to support them.

To assist schools and local area and regional staff to work together to support vulnerable students, and to comply with the requirements set out in Ministerial Order 1125, the principal must advise the regional director via email if they are considering an expulsion for:

• a student in out-of-home care
• a Koorie student
• a student with a disability who is identified as receiving substantial or extensive levels of adjustment as defined in the NCCD.

The principal should email the regional director and include the student’s name, school and vulnerable cohorts category and copy in the senior education improvement leader, area executive director and regional engagement coordinator. The area executive director or regional engagement coordinator will liaise with the following contacts to ensure these students are adequately supported throughout the process:

• students in out-of-home-care: The LOOKOUT Education Support Centre
• Koorie students: Koorie Education Coordinator
• students with disability who are identified as receiving substantial or extensive levels of adjustment as defined by the NCCD: DET area team

The regional director’s role is to monitor and oversee appropriate supports and interventions from regional resources for these vulnerable cohorts, noting that students may be in one or more of these cohorts. If the student is an international student, the principal must notify the department’s International Education Division at international@education.vic.gov.au

Students in out-of-home care

Students in out-of-home care can face additional barriers to engaging in education. Many of these students have experienced trauma and multiple transitions between schools as a result of their living arrangements.

In addition to advising the regional director, the principal should:

• ensure the partnering agreement (PDF) has been delivered on, including arranging for an educational needs assessment, holding student support group meetings at least once a term, developing and implementing the individual education plan and appointing a learning mentor
• work with:
  • the case manager to understand the impact that trauma may have on the student’s behaviours and any underlying needs
  • the LOOKOUT learning advisor to discuss previous interventions, preventions, supports and strategies available
  • the school’s designated teacher and student’s learning mentor to understand the student’s individual needs and what supports have been offered to support the student.

When an expulsion is being considered for a student in out-of-home-care, the area executive director or regional engagement coordinator will also contact the LOOKOUT Centre to work closely with the respective executive principals in their region to ensure available supports are put in place.

For more information, please refer to the Supporting Students in Out-of-Home Care Policy.

Koorie students

Some Koorie students face increased barriers to engagement in education. In addition to advising the regional director, the principal can seek additional support for Koorie students through their area executive director or regional engagement coordinator.

When the principal notifies the regional director that they are considering expulsion of a Koorie student, the area executive director or regional engagement coordinator will contact the Koorie education coordinator to discuss appropriate supports.

For information on the department’s dedicated Koorie workforce, refer to: Koorie Education Coordinators.

The principal should also let families know that they can contact the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) directly for independent support on 03 9481 0800.

Students with a disability

For students with a disability, as defined by the NCCD, the principal should also seek support from their local area team (via the regional office) to consider if:

• the student’s behaviour is a symptom or manifestation of their disability
• the student could be supported to remain and positively engage at the school with appropriate intervention and support
• reasonable adjustments have been made to support the student to participate in their education on the same basis as their peers without a disability.

When the principal notifies the regional director that they are considering expulsion of a student with a disability identified as receiving substantial or extensive levels of adjustment as defined by the NCCD, the area executive director or regional engagement coordinator will contact the relevant area team to discuss appropriate supports.

International students

If the student is an international student, the principal must contact the department’s International Education Division on 03 9637 2990 as the decision to expel may impact on the student’s visa conditions.

This will ensure that the necessary transition arrangements and/or implications for the student’s visa can be managed. It will also ensure that the department complies with its obligations as a registered CRICOS provider under Commonwealth legislation.

Next steps

If after reflecting and investigating, the principal thinks that the student can be supported to stay at the school, they should establish or reconvene a student support group. The student support group can develop, review or modify a behaviour support plan and ensure appropriate interventions and support are in place to enable the student to remain at the school.

The principal should also give consideration to any supports required for students or staff affected by another student’s behaviour. It may also be appropriate to consider accessing conflict resolution options where there is an ongoing conflict or tension between members of the school community.

Alternatively, the principal can proceed to convene a behaviour support and intervention meeting.

Behaviour support and intervention meeting

A behaviour support and intervention meeting must be held when an expulsion is being considered. Expulsion should not be a pre-determined outcome of this meeting. Prior to convening a behaviour support and intervention meeting, the principal must have considered alternative supports and interventions for the student and conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the departments expulsions policy

A behaviour support and intervention meeting provides an opportunity for the student and their parent/carer to meet with the principal and collaboratively discuss the student’s behaviour. The meeting must be conducted as informally as possible to encourage participation from all parties. A behaviour support and intervention meeting may be held remotely when a face-to-face meeting is not possible.

Meeting purpose

The purpose of the behaviour support and intervention meeting is to:

• advise the student and their parent/carer that the principal is considering whether to expel the student
• ensure all available supports and interventions in response to the behaviours of concern are considered for the student
• outline the grounds for expulsion that are being considered and the evidence to support a finding that the student has engaged in relevant conduct
• ensure that the student and their parent or carer have the opportunity to be heard
• consider the impact of the behaviour of the student on other affected parties
• identify the future educational, training and/or employment options most suited to the student’s needs and agree on a course of action in the event expulsion is decided.

Actions prior to the meeting

The principal must provide a student’s parent/carer with a copy of the Information for parents and carers about school expulsions (DOCX) and, if appropriate, provide the student with a copy of the Information for students about school expulsions (DOCX).

The principal must contact the student and their parent/carer to inform them of the date, time and place for the meeting, taking reasonable steps to find a suitable time for all parties to meet.

The principal must also advise them:

• of the importance of both the student and their parent/carer attending the meeting
• that if the student's parent or carer is unable or unwilling to attend, they or the student may nominate another adult to attend
• of the matters to be discussed at the meeting, which will include the impact of the student’s behaviour on the affected parties
• that a support person of their choice who is not acting for fee or reward may accompany them
• that if the student and their parent/carer do not attend the behaviour support and intervention meeting, it may proceed without them and a decision may be made without the benefit of hearing from them.

The principal must seek the support of a regional approved support person to:

• attend the meeting, where appropriate
• ensure all available supports and interventions to support the behaviours of concern are considered for the student
• ensure that alternative disciplinary measures are considered for the student
• ensure that the appropriate education, training and/or employment options are considered for the student
• assist in implementing the course of action agreed to at the behaviour support and intervention meeting.

When communicating with the parent/carer and mature minors

If after reasonable attempts to accommodate a parent and carers’ needs fail, and a suitable time for all parties to meet cannot be found, it may be necessary to request that a person from the suitable person list be appointed to support the student through the process. In this case, the principal must ensure that the key points discussed at the meeting are recorded in writing and sent to the student and their parent/carer.

Students who are adults (18 years old or over) or who are considered to be a mature minor by the school for the purposes of expulsion issues, have the right to elect that their parent/carers not attend the meeting. The principal should strongly encourage these students to have a support person accompany them.

At the meeting

The Record of behaviour support and intervention meeting template (DOCX) includes guidance and an agenda to assist the principal in conducting the meeting.

During the meeting, the principal should:

• discuss grounds upon which an expulsion is being considered and present the evidence to support this
• provide the student, their parent/carer and independent support persons with an opportunity to be heard and to provide any further context to the behaviours
• identify the needs and goals of the student and family for the student’s future
• discuss potential options for a supported transition.

The principal also needs to consider:

• the impact of the student’s behaviour on other affected parties
• alternative disciplinary measures
• new interventions and supports that can be put in place to retain the student at school (expulsion is not a predetermined outcome of this meeting).

The principal must chair the meeting and arrange for a staff member to take minutes using the record of behaviour support and intervention meeting template. If the student and their parent or carer cannot attend the meeting, the principal must send them a copy of the meeting record.

If a parent reasonably believes the principal has not met the mandatory requirements of Ministerial Order 1125 or the expulsion policy, they may appeal the decision.

Meeting attendees and supports

The behaviour support and intervention meeting attendees should be an informal meeting and include:

• the student and their parent/carer
• the principal and relevant school and support staff
• a regional approved support person
• an interpreter (if required).

It is important that the student has a person to support and advocate for them throughout the process. Every effort must be made to ensure the student and their parent/carer attend the behaviour support and intervention meeting. If the student and their parent/carer do not attend the behaviour support and intervention meeting, it may proceed without them and a decision may be made without the benefit of hearing from them.

To support the student and their parent/carer, a relevant person, support person and interpreter can also attend the meeting if required.

Relevant person

In some circumstances, the student’s parent/carer may be unable or unwilling to participate in the expulsion process. In this case, the student or their parent/carer can nominate a relevant person to act on their behalf.

If a student or their parent or carer nominates someone to act as a relevant person, before the expulsion process can proceed the principal must:

• notify the adult of that nomination (a phone call or email is recommended)
• explain their duties and obligations and provide them with a copy of Information for parents and carers about school expulsions
• ensure that the student and parent/carer complete the Relevant person nomination form (PDF).

In these guidelines and procedures, the term parent or carer also reflects adults who are nominated to act as relevant person.

Suitable person

If the student or their parent or carer are unable to nominate a relevant person, a number of departmental staff have been trained as suitable persons who can act as the student’s relevant person for the purposes of expulsion.

To access a suitable person, the principal should submit a Request to appoint a person from the suitable person list form (DOCX) (staff login required) to the area executive director.

If the student is considered a mature minor, they may choose to nominate a trusted adult or an adult from the suitable person list as a relevant person using the same form.

Support person

A support person can be someone a family trusts, someone who respects the family’s culture, and chooses to be involved as a support throughout the expulsion process. A support person cannot act for a fee or reward. A support person should be provided with a copy of the Support person guide (DOCX).

Students and families can access an independent support person from a community organisation and schools, where appropriate, should assist in identifying a culturally appropriate support person for the student. Key community organisations include:

• Koorie students: Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), phone 03 9481 0800
• Disability Advocacy Resource Unit: 03 9639 5807 for students with disability who are identified as receiving substantial or extensive levels of adjustment in the NCCD
• Students in out-of-home care: LOOKOUT Education Support Centres:
  • state-wide – lookout.centre@education.vic.gov.au
  • North-Eastern Region – lookout.nev@education.vic.gov.au
  • North-Western Region – lookout.nwv@education.vic.gov.au
  • South-Eastern Region – lookout.sev@education.vic.gov.au
  • South-Western Region – lookout.swv@education.vic.gov.au

Interpreter

The principal should organise an interpreter, including Auslan, if required. Refer to Interpreting and Translation Services.

Raising and escalating any concerns by the regional approved support person and regional engagement coordinator

If a regional approved support person or regional engagement coordinator reasonably believes that the principal has not met the mandatory requirements of Ministerial Order 1125 or the expulsion policy including during the BSIM, they must undertake the following process to ensure all alternative measures for the student are being fully explored:

• first discuss their concerns with the principal
• if they are unable to resolve their concerns with the principal, escalate their concerns to the senior education improvement leader and area executive director and then finally to the regional director if required
• regional staff will work with the school until all concerns have been addressed and ensure all appropriate supports are in place.
• all communication will be documented in writing to all relevant regional staff and recorded in STaR by the regional engagement coordinator.

Decision

In some instances it may be appropriate to expel a student who compromises the health, safety and wellbeing of the school community, in order to protect the learning environment for all students and to continue with effective teaching. This may be a difficult decision for a principal to balance the needs of all students in the school community. Principals are encouraged to engage closely with the regional engagement coordinator and the local area team to ensure the best outcome is reached.

When making a decision, the principal must properly, fairly and without bias consider all relevant matters, including the impact of the behaviour of the student on other affected parties.

The principal must determine whether the expulsion is appropriate in light of:

• the behaviour for which the student is being expelled
• the educational needs of the student
• any disability of the student
• the age of the student
• the magnitude and impact of the student’s actions
• the residential and social circumstances of the student.

The principal must also ensure that all information or documentation provided by the student or their parent or carer has been taken into account when making the decision. The regional engagement coordinator can provide advice to principals on documenting their expulsion decision. The regional approved support person can support the principal to consider the best options for the student and the school.

While the principal is making a decision, the school should continue to provide the student with work. If a student is suspended for longer than five days, the allocated teacher should provide support during this time.

Timelines for decision

Following the conclusion of the behaviour support and intervention meeting, the principal must notify the student and their parent/carer of the decision to expel or not expel within the following timelines:

• where the student is 9 years or more, within 2 business days
• where the student is aged 8 or less, within 10 business days, and only once the department Secretary’s approval is obtained.

Students aged 8 or less

The Secretary of the department must approve a principal’s decision to expel a student aged eight years or less. This is because the department recognises the critical importance of supporting very young students to remain engaged in education.

For a student aged eight years or less, the principal should contact the regional engagement coordinator and work with them to prepare a brief to the Secretary outlining the principal’s recommendation and seeking their approval.

The principal will be informed of the Secretary’s decision within 10 business days to enable them to notify the student and their parent/carer within the required time period. Until the Secretary makes their decision, the principal may not proceed with their expulsion decision.

Deciding not to expel

If the principal decides not to expel the student, the student should be supported to continue at the school. The principal should convene a Student Support Group in collaboration with the student and their parent/carer. The focus of this group is to put in place additional, or review existing, interventions and supports to engage the student positively at school.

Referrals to school based, local area, allied health and community supports should be made as appropriate. Other reasonable adjustments to the student’s program should also be considered.

Building a working relationship with the student and parent or carer should be a priority. Depending on the circumstances that led to the behaviour support and intervention meeting, the principal should consider seeking support from conflict resolution services to address any unresolved issues and to restore relationships and a positive learning environment.

Deciding to expel

To maintain procedural fairness and transparency, principals must complete and retain thorough and detailed documentation of their expulsion decision. This is also important as an expulsion decision can be appealed by the student or their parent/carer on the basis that the process was not followed.

Principals must provide the student and their parent/carer with a Notice for Expulsion which is included in the Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal form (DOCX) (staff login required) within 2 business days of the conclusion of the behaviour support and intervention meeting for students aged 9 and above and 10 days for students aged 8 or less. The Notice of Expulsion must state:

• the ground/s for the expulsion
• the reason/s for the expulsion
• the date of the commencement of the expulsion
• that the student has a right to appeal the expulsion decision.

The ‘Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal information and form’ is available to download in a number of different languages from the Resources tab.

The principal must also prepare a written Expulsion report (DOCX) which contains:

• a short statement of the history of the student's time at the school
• the grounds for the expulsion
• the reasons for expulsion
• any considerations in support of the expulsion including a comprehensive range of strategies which might have been employed to date
• any considerations of the impact of behaviour of the student on other affected parties;
• any representations made by the student or their relevant person
• a summary of the options considered at the behaviour support and intervention meeting and why expulsion was considered necessary
• details of the arrangements that have been made for the continuing education, training and/or employment of the student
• recommendations on whether any further action either at the school, local, regional or system level is required, including strategies at the school level to prevent the repeat of similar circumstances.

The Expulsion Report and a copy of the Notice of Expulsion must be provided to the regional director, within one business day of the expulsion taking effect.

The principal should retain a copy of the Expulsion Report, Notice of Expulsion and all relevant communication. The expulsion must also be recorded in CASES21.

Supported transition

To uphold the principle that no child will be excluded from the government school system, if a student is expelled it is essential that a supported transition plan (DOCX) and a student absence learning plan is promptly developed and enacted to ensure the student remains engaged in education. In many cases, a transition to a new setting with the right support will enable the student to thrive.

The regional engagement coordinator is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the student’s transition. This includes providing oversight and support to the school on the student transition plan and student absence learning plan.

The local area team and regional office, in collaboration with the principal, will work to identify a new setting and implement a transition plan for the student. The principal of the expelling school will facilitate a placement in a new setting within a month of the expulsion taking effect where possible, and develop the supported transition plan for the student. The principal will provide the regional engagement coordinator with the supported transition plan. This supported transition plan will build on discussions and options identified at the behaviour support and intervention meeting, reflect the needs and goals of the student and family, and consider the student’s strengths and any insights from the school about the best educational options for the student.

The information provided in the supported transition plan will support the receiving school to successfully plan for, and integrate, the student. In many cases, a transition to a new setting with the right support will enable the student to thrive.

Students of compulsory school age must be:

• enrolled at a registered school
• enrolled at a registered training organisation (RTO)
• engaged with an employment agency or other organisation that provides services that support their future employment.

Students beyond compulsory school age and their parent/carer must be provided with information about:

• other schools or RTOs that may provide suitable opportunities for the student, or
• employment agencies or other organisations that support engagement in employment.

In identifying a new setting for the student regional staff and the principal should be guided by the Placement Policy and Transfers sections of the department’s Enrolment Policy which outline students’ entitlements to enrolment and the expectations placed on enrolling schools.

The principal must establish a Student absence learning plan (DOCX) (staff login required) and ensure that the school continues to provide the student with meaningful work until they have successfully transitioned to the identified setting. This may need to be monitored and updated and the designated teacher should offer support, as required.

The principal will provide the regional engagement coordinator with the student absence learning plan. The regional engagement coordinator will follow up with the new setting one and 6 months after the expulsion has occurred and refer the case to the local area team if additional support is required. The regional engagement coordinator will monitor compliance of the student absence learning plan until the student has successfully transitioned to the identified setting.

Appeals

In keeping with principles of procedural fairness and natural justice, a decision to expel a student from a Victorian government school can be appealed by the student or their parent/carer. This provides an opportunity to test the rare but sometimes necessary decision to expel a student.

Principals must provide the student and their parent/carer with a copy of the expulsion appeal form for their consideration. A copy of the expulsion appeal form is included in the Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal information and form (DOCX) (staff login required).

An expulsion can be appealed on the following grounds:

• a student has a history of behavioural issues, and there is insufficient evidence of prior interventions designed to address the behaviour and support the student
• the grounds on which the student was expelled are considered unfair
• the expulsion process was not followed by the principal
• other extenuating circumstances.

The ‘Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal information and form’ is available to download in a number of different languages from the Resources tab.

Principals are encouraged to use the Expulsion appeal process (PDF) (staff login required) and Principal expulsion checklist (PDF) (staff login required) which reflect the requirements of Ministerial Order 1125. These documents will assist principals in understanding and acquitting each step of the appeal process.

Appeal lodgement

If a student or their parent/carer chooses to appeal the principal’s expulsion decision, they must complete the expulsion appeal form and provide it to the principal within 10 business days of receiving the notice of expulsion.

Appeals lodged after 10 business days will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. The principal must still forward late appeals to the area executive director who will make an assessment on a case by case basis.

The principal must provide the area executive director within 1 business day of receiving the appeal (including appeals received after 10 business days) with a copy of the completed:

• notice of expulsion
• expulsion report (and the record of behaviour support and intervention meeting)
• expulsion appeal form.

The principal should contact the regional engagement coordinator to advise that an appeal has been lodged. They will continue to support the student and their parent/carer during the appeal process.

Review process

Only the secretary or their delegate (usually the area executive director) has the authority to decide on an expulsion appeal. The area executive director will assess whether an expulsion review panel is required and convene one where useful to make a recommendation to them on whether to uphold or overturn an expulsion decision.

The expulsion review panel is comprised of 3 members:

• a departmental representative selected by the secretary or their delegate
• an independent member from a pool of nominated staff from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, selected by the regional director
• a regional approved support person selected by the principal.

The regional approved support person on an expulsion review panel cannot be the same person who has been engaged in the expulsion process to date and attended the behaviour support and intervention meeting.

The expulsion review panel will consider the documentation provided and must provide an opportunity to hear from the student and affected parties:

• the student and their parent/carer will explain their reasons for appealing the expulsion decision – this can be done in person or via phone, engaging interpreters where required
• the principal will be provided with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or by some other means considered appropriate by the panel
• the panel will give consideration to the safety and wellbeing of affected parties, including where an expulsion decision may be overturned, where relevant to the grounds of the appeal.

The expulsion review panel will deliberate and prepare an Expulsion review panel report (DOCX) (staff login required) for the decision maker (usually the area executive director) outlining the relevant facts and considerations, and making a recommendation in relation to the appeal within one business day of the conclusion of the panel meeting.

Appeal decision

The area executive director will consider the panel's recommendation to uphold or overturn the expulsion, but they are not bound to follow the recommendation. If the area executive director does not agree with the panel’s decision they must consult with the panel to understand the panel’s reasons for their recommendation. The area executive director must document the reasons for their decision in the expulsion review panel report if they do not uphold the panel’s recommendation. The area executive director must provide this documentation to the regional engagement coordinator and will consult with the chair of the panel to formally discuss the reason for overturning the expulsion review panels recommendation.

The area executive director must use their best endeavours to make a decision within 15 business days of receiving the expulsion appeal form from the principal.

The area executive director will contact the student and their parent/carer within 2 business days of a decision being reached to communicate the decision made. They must also provide the principal, student and their parent or carer with written notification of their decision and a copy of the expulsion review panel report.

Decision to uphold the expulsion

It is essential that a supported transition plan is promptly developed and enacted to ensure the student remains engaged in education. Refer to the section of these guidelines and procedures on supported transition for further advice.

Decision to overturn the expulsion

If the decision is made to overturn the expulsion, the principal must take the following actions as soon as possible:

• re-enrol the student in the school (where this is still the preference of the student and their parent or carer) under a return to school plan developed with the student, parent or carer and student’s teacher or teachers
• remove record of the expulsion from the student’s permanent record and CASES21
• notify the student and their parent/carer in writing that their record has been amended.

To ensure the student and whole school community is appropriately supported, the principal should work closely with the local area team to plan the student’s return to school. This can include convening a student support group and implementing a behaviour support plan for the student. The focus of the student support group should be to collaborate with the parent or carer and student and put in place or review relevant interventions and support to engage the student positively at school.

The principal should also give consideration to any supports required for students or staff affected by the student’s behaviour. It may also be appropriate to consider accessing conflict resolution supports where there is an ongoing conflict or tension between members of the school community. The principal can seek advice and support on conflict resolution options from their local area team or the Central Complaints Team.

Referring an overturned expulsion to the Student Safety and Wellbeing Expert Panel

In rare cases, a principal may hold ongoing concerns for the safety of students at the school where an expulsion decision is overturned and the student plans to return to the school. In these circumstances, the principal may refer the case to a Student Safety and Wellbeing Expert Panel (expert panel) to consider the matter with regard to student safety, in order to provide a recommendation(s) to the secretary, as a delegate of the minister, about the student’s future at the school and advise how best to support their ongoing engagement in education.

This step is designed to ensure that the best outcome for all students in the school community is reached, and can only be pursued where the principal reasonably believes that returning the student to the school poses a risk to the safety of other students at the school that cannot be managed, including with additional support.

Principals are encouraged to discuss their views and concerns with the area executive director or a senior regional staff member in determining whether to refer a matter to an expert panel. This is an opportunity for the principal, local Area team and regional office to work closely together to collectively identify all available supports and interventions to mitigate safety concerns and support the student’s successful transition back to school and ongoing educational engagement.

If, after these discussions, the principal believes the safety risks cannot be managed or mitigated, they should inform the area executive director of their intent to refer the case to an expert panel. The principal must provide the expert panel secretariat with a completed and signed referral form within 1 business day of being informed that the expulsion is overturned. This is to ensure the area executive director is aware of the principal’s decision prior to informing the student and their parent/carer of the outcome of the expulsion appeal process, which must occur within 2 business days.

An expert panel will be convened by members appointed on behalf of the secretary to consider the matter and to make a recommendation(s) relating to the student’s continued enrolment at the school, in accordance with section 2.2.17 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), with specific regard to the safety of the student or other students at the school.

The secretary will make a decision, in a timely manner, having regard to the advice and recommendation(s) of an expert panel as to whether to refuse the student’s continued enrolment at the school in the interests of ensuring the safety of all students at the school. The secretary may also give consideration to any other comments made by an expert panel.

In the instance that an overturned expulsion is referred to an expert panel, the student’s re-enrolment in the school will be deferred while an expert panel is considering the matter. It is essential that the student remains supported throughout this process. The school, including the teacher designated to support the student throughout the expulsion process, should continue to provide appropriate and meaningful work to support their ongoing education. The student’s student absence learning plan should be updated, if required.

The department’s local area and regional teams will work closely with the school, student(s) and their family during this period, including considering any further actions required to support the student’s continued learning.

The principal, student and their parent or carer will be informed of the outcome of an expert panel process. The local area team and regional office will work closely with all involved to ensure they are appropriately supported and the actions arising from an expert panel process are implemented.

Resources

Ministerial Order and Expulsion Policy overview

• Ministerial Order 1125 – Procedures for suspension and expulsion of students in government schools (PDF)
• Expulsion Policy overview (PDF)
• Expulsion Policy overview (DOCX)

Expulsion templates and support tools

Expulsion consideration

• Principal expulsion checklist (PDF) (staff login required)
• Notice of suspension (DOCX) (staff login required) – used where the student is suspended from school immediately while an expulsion is being considered
• Allocating a teacher checklist (DOCX) (staff login required) – used when allocating a teacher to support a student when suspension last more than 5 consecutive days
• Student absence learning plan (DOCX) (staff login required) – used to support the student’s learning while they are absent from school
• Record of behaviour support and intervention meeting (DOCX) (staff login required):
  • guidance on convening a behaviour support and intervention meeting
  • meeting agenda with essential questions to guide discussions
  • template to record the meeting outcomes

Relevant person during an expulsion process

Nomination and consent of relevant person form (PDF) – used when a student, parent or carer seeks to nominate another adult to participate in the expulsion process as a Relevant Person

Appointing a person from the suitable persons list

Request to appoint a person from the suitable persons list form (DOCX) (staff login required) – used by the principal, in consultation with the Student Support Services Regional Network, when there is no adult available to act as the ‘relevant person’ for a student

Support person

Support persons guide (DOCX) – information and checklist to guide a support person in their role supporting students during an expulsion process

Expulsion decision

• Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal information and form (DOCX) (staff login required) – to be completed, signed by the principal, and provided to the parent/carer when confirming a decision to expel.
  The Notice of expulsion and expulsion appeal information and form is also available to download in different languages:
  • Arabic (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Arabic (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Chinese Simplified (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Chinese Simplified (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Dari (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Dari (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Dinka (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Dinka (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Farsi (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Farsi (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Hakha Chin (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Hakha Chin (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Karen (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Karen (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Nuer (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Nuer (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Oromo (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Oromo (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Pashto (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Pashto (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Samoan (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Samoan (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Somali (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Somali (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Swahili (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Swahili (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Tamil (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Tamil (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Tigrinya (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Tigrinya (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Turkish (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Turkish (DOCX) (staff login required)
  • Vietnamese (PDF) (staff login required)
  • Vietnamese (DOCX) (staff login required)
• Expulsion report (DOCX) (staff login required) – to be completed, signed by the principal, and forwarded to the Regional Director with a copy of the Notice of Expulsion and any other relevant documentation
• Supported transition plan (DOCX) (staff login required) – used when supporting a student to transition to another educational setting following expulsion

Appeal process

• Expulsion appeal process overview (PDF) (staff login required)
• Expulsion Review Panel Report (DOCX) (staff login required) – used by an Expulsion Review Panel and forwarded to the Secretary or delegate
• Student Safety and Wellbeing Expert Panel referral form (DOCX) (staff login required) – used by a principal if an expulsion decision has been overturned on appeal but the principal continues to hold significant concerns for the safety of students

Expulsion of students in government schools – Explainer video

The following short, animated video is an overview of the expulsion of students in Victorian government schools. This resource for school leaders explains the key requirements and processes that must be followed when considering expelling a student.

Training resources

• Expulsion of students in government schools training (PPTX)
• Supports and interventions training (PPTX)

Information for parents, carers and students

• Information for parents and carers about school expulsions (PDF)
• Information for parents and carers about school expulsions (DOCX)
• Information for students about school expulsions (PDF)
• Information for students about school expulsions (DOCX)

Resources for supporting student behaviour

• Behaviour – Students – policy, guidance and resources on supporting student behaviour, including responding to challenging behaviour.
• Behaviour support at DET – professional learning courses for educators and early childhood professionals
• Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies) Policy
• Respectful Relationships program
• Restraint and Seclusion Policy
• Student Sexual Offending and Problem Sexual Behaviour Policy
• Student Support Services