Understanding Your Rights in Victorian Government Schools

Victorian families have clearly defined rights under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, Ministerial Order 1125, and the Disability Standards for Education (DSE). This section helps you understand what schools must do — and what you can request at any time.

Right to Reasonable Adjustments

Schools must make adjustments so your child can access learning on the same basis as their peers. This includes environmental, instructional, sensory, communication, and behavioural supports.

Source: Disability Standards for Education (DSE 2005)

Right to an SSG Meeting

Parents may request a Student Support Group (SSG) meeting at any time. Schools must respond and schedule within a reasonable timeframe, especially following incidents, wellbeing concerns, or adjustments not working.

Source: Student Support Group Guidelines (Vic DET)

Right to Clear Communication

Schools must communicate in a timely and accessible way. You can request communication in writing, ask for notes from meetings, and request copies of any behaviour plans or incident reports.

Source: Vic DET School Engagement Policy

Right to Safe Behaviour Responses

Behaviour must be managed using the least restrictive actions. Staff must consider disability, context, supports, and whether the school has fulfilled its obligations before disciplinary action.

Source: Ministerial Order 1125 (Suspension & Expulsion)

Right to Request Documentation

Parents can request any educational documents relating to their child — plans, adjustments, incident reports, assessments, meeting minutes, or behaviour data.

Source: Freedom of Information Act (Vic)

Right to Escalate Internally

If concerns are not resolved at school level, parents may escalate to the Principal, then the Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL), and finally the DET Complaints Office.

Source: Victorian Department of Education Complaints Policy

Tip: Your rights don’t require conflict — they create clarity. When parents use language rooted in official policy, schools tend to respond more constructively and promptly.

Rights Glossary (Plain Language Guide)

These definitions explain the key terms and protections that apply in Victorian government schools — written simply, so parents can confidently use them in meetings, emails, and escalation processes.

Reasonable Adjustments

Supports the school must provide so your child can learn and participate equally. This includes communication supports, sensory adjustments, break cards, curriculum tweaks, and environmental changes. Schools must show evidence that adjustments were attempted before discipline decisions.

Student Support Group (SSG)

A collaborative meeting between parents, school staff, and allied professionals. You can request an SSG at any time — the school must respond. It sets goals, adjustments, responsibilities, and follow-up timelines.

Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

A written plan describing triggers, supports, strategies, and adult responses. Required when behaviour affects learning or safety. Parents should receive a copy and be involved in updating it.

Inclusion Duty

Under the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education, schools must take reasonable steps to remove barriers and provide inclusive access. This is a legal obligation — not optional.

Parent Participation Rights

Parents have the right to attend meetings, request records, ask for clarification, and participate in decisions affecting their child. Schools must involve parents in key planning and discipline stages.

Suspension Requirements

Before suspension, a principal must review adjustments, gather evidence, and show that all other options were considered. Parents must receive a formal letter and a return-to-school meeting must be arranged.

Right to Documentation

Parents can request copies of: Incident reports, BSPs, IEPs, emails, notes, meeting minutes, attendance data, and adjustment logs. Written records are essential for safe escalation.

Right to Safe Escalation

If concerns are dismissed, ignored, or unresolved, parents may escalate to the Principal, SEIL, Regional Office, or the Department’s Complaints team. Escalation is a protected parent right — not a breach of process.