Union calls for expedited private school report
By Sally Edsall
An independent review of the state's private school sector is to be conducted, Education Minister John Aquilina has announced.
The report from the review is due at the end of 2001. It will be chaired by former Board of Studies President Warren Grimshaw.
Federation Council has welcomed the review. The union has been arguing for some time that there is little if any accountability required of private schools.
However, Federation Council also called upon the Government to expedite the review so that it would report by the end of term 1, 2001.
That would allow necessary time for any legislative or administrative changes required to be in place for the beginning of the 2002 school year.
By delaying reporting until the end of 2001, it is likely changes would not be in place before 2003. The timing would also mean the report would not be presented before the next federal government election.
Terms of reference
The terms of reference for the review are as follows:
"Develop a NSW policy framework for the establishment, funding and regulation of non-government schools. In doing so consideration is to be given to:
the definition of 'a school'
registration and accreditation criteria
the reasons for State funding of non-government schools
financial and educational reporting
a State funding framework for non-government schools that is effective and equitable
the impact of Federal Government policy.
Funding framework proposals will respond to need, be based on principles of fairness and address issues of accountability.
The reviewer will also consider whether cross-sectoral planning can contribute to a more efficient use of public resources.
The review is to be limited to matters within the Minister's portfolio.
The review will be based on consultation and submissions.
The review will result in a range of options for reform of the State policy framework.
The reviewer will provide advice in relation to preferred policy options."
The Education Act 1990 provides for private schools to be registered and accredited. Registration allows a school to operate, and is the basis upon which both State and Federal funding currently flows to schools. Accreditation allows a registered school to present candidates for the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.
The Board of Studies is responsible for recommending to the Minister whether schools should be registered and accredited.
The Government has stated: "The review will acknowledge the Government's commitment to support parents' freedom to exercise choice and propose a funding framework for the NSW non-government schools that is fair and needs based."
It is anticipated organisations and individuals will be able to make submissions to the review. The union will be preparing a submission, and will keep members informed.
For further information
November 2000 contents
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