What to Say at Each Escalation Stage
These evidence-based scripts help parents communicate clearly and safely when escalating concerns. Wording aligns with Department of Education expectations, Victorian legislation, and Ministerial Order 1125.
Script 1 — Teacher / Assistant Principal
“I’d like to review the reasonable adjustments currently in place and whether they meet the requirements of the Student Engagement and Students With Disability policies. Can we schedule a time to update the Behaviour Support Plan and identify supports needed?”
Script 2 — Speaking with the Principal
“I’m concerned that the current supports may not be meeting my child’s needs. Before any further disciplinary action, I would like to review the adjustments, the BSP, and any risk assessment. I’m requesting an SSG meeting as allowed under DET policy.”
Script 3 — Contacting the SEIL
“I have followed all school-level processes, but my concerns remain unresolved. I’m requesting your assistance to ensure policies have been followed, especially regarding adjustments, investigation processes, and mandatory planning requirements.”
Script 4 — Contacting the Regional Office
“I have attempted to resolve this at the school and SEIL levels. My concern now relates to potential breaches of DET policy, including adjustments, safety planning, or procedural fairness. I am requesting a regional review and support to ensure obligations are met.”
Script 5 — DET Complaints (Formal)
“This is a formal complaint. I have completed school and regional processes. I believe there may have been a failure to follow required procedures under Ministerial Order 1125, the Student Engagement Policy, or the Students With Disability Policy. I am requesting an independent review and corrective actions.”
Script 6 — Ombudsman Victoria
“I have completed all required internal steps (school → SEIL → region → DET complaints). I am requesting an Ombudsman investigation into administrative fairness, decision-making processes, and whether DET acted in accordance with policy and legislation.”
Optional: Evidence Pack Template
Regions and DET Investigations ask for the same core documents. Parents can prepare an “evidence pack” containing:
- Suspension letters & return-to-school plans
- Behaviour Support Plans (before & after incidents)
- Risk assessments
- Emails requesting adjustments or support
- Incident reports
- A timeline of events
- Meeting notes (SSGs, principal meetings)