Inclusive Resources
Recommended Resources
Please find below various resources we recommend for creating and maintaining safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Working with students who have experienced trauma
Calmer Classrooms
This booklet assists kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers, and other school personnel in understanding and working with children and young people whose lives have been affected by trauma.
Making Space for Learning
This resource guide from the Australian Childhood Foundation focuses on understanding trauma in children and young people and responding to it within a school context. It offers opportunities to build practical strategies to support these children and young people.
Helping Traumatized Children Learn
A report and policy agenda for creating supportive school environments for children traumatized by family violence from the Massachusetts Advocates for Children.
SMART online training
The SMART (Strategies for Managing Abuse Related Trauma) Program is an 11 module online learning course from the Australian Childhood Foundation that focusses on supporting children and young people in a range of educational and other settings. The course is free and can be completed at your own pace.
Trauma Sensitive Practice - North West Victoria Region
This DET NWVR eduGate page has an array of resources, professional learning, policies, templates and programs that will assist in building a theoretical understanding of trauma sensitive practice, develop a shared understanding and literacy, and assist workforces to support vulnerable learners and families. There are also resources available to support teacher self-care and wellbeing. DET credentials will be required to login and access the materials.
Caring Classrooms
A guide to understanding traumatised children and young people for parents and the school community.
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network website
(ACATLGN) is a network that works with a team of experts to bring together evidence based resources and research in order to make them more accessible to those working with children and young people who have been affected by trauma and grief. Their website includes comprehensive resources, webinars and a free e-learning course on trauma informed care.
Indigenous Trauma Information and Resources
This Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network site provides information and contacts to enhance strengths to help Indigenous children and families get through tough times.
Tip Sheet on Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Supporting Recovery From Trauma
Families and children who have sought refuge in Australia may face many challenges in creating a new life. This tip sheet from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network provides information on supporting recovery from trauma for refugees and asylum seekers.
Kids Matter Understanding Trauma
This link provides a short video produced by KidsMatter together with the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network and an information sheet for schools on understanding and supporting students who have experienced trauma.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Learning Centre
Launched in May 2017, the Core Curriculum on Childhood Trauma (CCCT) Online Modules are a resource created by the NCTSN for all individuals who work with children and families exposed to trauma events. These modules help learners develop a trauma lens through which they can view and better comprehend the effects of traumatic experiences and losses.
Professional Articles by Dr Bruce Perry
Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. is an internationally-recognized authority on children in crisis and the Senior Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, a Houston-based organization dedicated to research and education on child maltreatment. See this link for professional articles on trauma, attachment, the brain and learning, core strengths, the developing child and children in distress.
Stepping up for Kids
This learning resource booklet from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network provides information on understanding and supporting children who have experienced family and domestic violence.
Understanding children with attachment difficulties
Understanding Attachment and Trauma Blended Learning
Understanding Attachment and Trauma is an online learning course that enables teachers to undertake professional learning focusing on the understanding, assessment and classroom support of students with disrupted attachment and trauma experiences.
Children’s Attachment Theory and how to use it
This short video provides a simple explanation of attachment theory and how it can be utilized to understand and work with children with insecure attachment styles.
Supporting students living in out of home care
Partnering Agreement
Schools, Child Protection Practitioners and case workers are required to meet their obligations under the Out-Of-Home Care Education Commitment: A Partnering Agreement between: the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Department of Education and Training (DET), Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and Independent Schools Victoria.
LOOKOUT Education Support Centres
The DET LOOKOUT Centres are designed to boost the capacity of schools, Child Protection Practitioners and out-of-home care services to improve educational outcomes for children and young people living in out-of-home care.
Out of Home Care Resources
DET endorsed resources and guidelines for supporting students in out of home care.
Student Support Group Guidelines
The DET Student Support Group guidelines and templates are a valuable resource outlining the membership, key objectives and roles of a SSG.
DET Learning Mentor Guidelines
DET guidelines on the role of the learning mentor and links to training and support materials.
Learning Mentor Training
This series of 12 short clips are available on FUSE and provide an introduction to the Partnering Agreement, the role of the Learning Mentor and an introduction to working within a trauma and attachment theory informed framework. *Follow the link, log in to FUSE then search ‘Learning Mentor Training’ (Clip 1 – 12).
Out-of-Home...Not Out of School
This resource was produced to promote an understanding of the world of students in out-of-home care. The video and professional learning guide are available on Click on Wellbeing and include Learning Mentor training modules designed to build the capacity of school based staff who are taking on the role of Learning Mentor.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the supporting students in out of home care button.
ENA Guidance
Guidance for school leaders, teachers, Student Support Services, case managers and Student Support Groups about the process to request and conduct an educational needs assessment for a child or young person in out-of-home care enrolled at a Victorian government school.
IEP Guidelines
Schools must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student in Out-of-Home Care. This plan should be developed by the Student Support Group. These DET guidelines include IEP templates and information regarding their requirements.
Great Expectations
While Calmer Classrooms examines the impact of trauma and attachment disruption experiences on children generally, this resource particularly addresses the educational needs of children and young people who live in out-of-home care.
Appointing a Learning Mentor for every student living in out of home care
DET Learning Mentor Guidelines
DET guidelines on the role of the learning mentor and links to training and support materials.
Learning Mentor Training
This series of 12 short clips are available on FUSE and provide an introduction to the Partnering Agreement, the role of the Learning Mentor and an introduction to working within a trauma and attachment theory informed framework.
*Follow the link, log in to FUSE then search ‘Learning Mentor Training’ (Clip 1 – 12).
Out-of-Home...Not Out of School
This resource was produced to promote an understanding of the world of students in out-of-home care. The video and professional learning guide are available on Click on Wellbeing and include Learning Mentor training modules designed to build the capacity of school based staff who are taking on the role of Learning Mentor.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the supporting students in out of home care button.
Establishing a Student Support Group
Student Support Group Guidelines
The DET Student Support Group guidelines and templates are a valuable resource outlining the membership, key objectives and roles of a SSG.
The Team Around the Learner
Team Around the Learner (TAL) provides a framework for an individualised, holistic and team-based approach to support learners at risk of disengaging or who have disengaged from education and learning. Key people work together as a team, coordinate a plan to meet the needs of the learner and to support them to continue to engage in or re-engage in education and learning.
Developing an Individual Education Plan
IEP Guidelines
Schools must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student in Out-of-Home Care. This plan should be developed by the Student Support Group. These DET guidelines include IEP templates and information regarding their requirements.
Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
DET Behaviour Support Plan Guidelines
DET information, guidelines and resources for developing Behaviour Support Plans.
SWPBS Functional Behaviour Analysis and Behaviour Support Plan training videos
SWPBS Tier III intervention videos on Functional Behaviour Analysis and Behaviour Support Plans.
*Follow the link, log in to EduGate and access training materials numbers 25, 26 & 27.
PBIS World
PBIS World is a website containing links to hundreds of interventions, supports, resources, and data collection tools, all of which are organized into the tier 1 through 3 framework. It is designed to help guide users through the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports implementation process, starting with behavior identification and offering suggestions for interventions and data collection tools.
Challenging Behaviour Toolbox
The staged response to challenging behaviour process and resource toolbox seeks to provide schools with information to create and maintain safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments, a process to implement a staged approach to managing challenging student behaviour and a compilation of already existing resources located in one place for ease of use.
Stages of Behaviour Escalation
Table from Colvin and Sugai (1989) outlining the stages of the behaviour escalation cycle, the area of focus and intervention tips for each stage.
Supporting student attendance
Attendance resources
DET templates, plans and guidelines for supporting attendance. DET credentials will be required to log in to eduGate.
Click on Wellbeing Improving Attendance Guide
This attendance guide will assist schools to gain an understanding of the issues that can manifest in non-attendance. It will assist in identifying and planning interventions, strategies and support for individuals and also offer ideas for school-wide approaches to addressing promoting attendance.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the improving attendance button.
Identifying Students at Risk
DET guidelines on identifying students at risk of disengagement.
DET Attendance Resources
Provides information about factors affecting attendance and ideas to assist if a child is reluctant to go to school.
Supporting student engagement
Whole School Engagement Strategies and Supports
DET information on whole school engagement strategies and supports.
DET Student Engagement Guidance
The DET Student Engagement and Inclusion Guidance provides advice on developing a Student Engagement Policy, promoting positive student behaviour and responding to challenging behaviour.
Click on Wellbeing Student Engagement Guide
This student engagement guide will assist schools in building relationships for effective learning and teaching.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the student engagement button.
School Focused Youth Service
Through the School Focused Youth Service, schools and community organisations will support at risk young people (aged 10-18) who require prevention or early intervention strategies to assist their learning, development, health and wellbeing.
Click on Wellbeing Supporting Young People to Stay Engaged with Education Practice Guide
This guide has been created as legacy of the passionate people behind the establishment of Youth Partnerships in Loddon Mallee area. The guide has been developed to support schools, local government and community service organisations to work together to respond to the needs of at risk young people.
Supporting student wellbeing, positive behaviour and mental health
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Learning Materials
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials have been designed for teachers in primary and secondary schools to develop students’ social, emotional and positive relationship skills. The materials cover eight topics of Social and Emotional Learning across all levels of primary and secondary education: Emotional Literacy; Personal Strengths; Positive Coping; Problem Solving; Stress Management; Help Seeking; Gender and Identity; and Positive Gender Relationships.
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials have been designed for teachers in primary and secondary schools to develop students’ social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Efforts to promote social and emotional skills and positive gender norms in children and young people has been shown to improve health related outcomes and subjective wellbeing. It also reduces antisocial behaviours including engagement in gender-related violence.
SWPBS
School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is an evidence-based framework for preventing and responding to student behaviour. It aims to create a positive school climate, a culture of student competence and an open, responsive management system for all school community members.
SWPBS Road Map
Infographic detailing key facets of the SWPBS framework
PBIS World
PBIS World is a website containing links to hundreds of interventions, supports, resources, and data collection tools, all of which are organized into the tier 1 through 3 framework. It is designed to help guide users through the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports implementation process, starting with behavior identification and offering suggestions for interventions and data collection tools.
Kids Matter
A mental health and wellbeing framework for primary schools and early childhood education and care services.
SAFE Minds
The Victorian Government has partnered with headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation to develop SAFEMinds: Schools And Families Enhancing Minds, a comprehensive learning and resource package that will enhance the capacity of school communities to effectively identify children and young people with early signs of mental health issues, offer school-based interventions and refer appropriately when needed.
Whole School Engagement Strategies and Supports
DET information on whole school engagement strategies and supports.
Kids Helpline @ School
Kids Helpline @ School is an early intervention and prevention model for all primary school aged students around Australia. The program allows primary schools to invite Kids Helpline counsellors into their classroom via video link or phone. Each session is facilitated by a tertiary qualified Kids Helpline counsellor who then works with the teacher/school counsellor to tailor each session to the needs of the school and particular class. Sessions aim to improve mental health literacy in primary school aged children, promote resilience and encourage help seeking behaviours.
DET Promoting and Supporting Mental Health Online Course
The Promoting and Supporting Mental Health program aims to support staff in schools to recognise and understand their role in promoting mental health and to build their capacity and skills to create environments where children and young people can thrive, learn and grow.
*Follow the link and set up an account to access the training.
DET Support and Resources for Specific Groups of Students
The following information outlines resources, strategies and supports for specific groups of students who have additional needs, or who may face particular barriers to engaging with school.
Andrew Fuller’s website
As a clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families. His website includes resources on resilience, psychology and brains and learning for students, schools, parents and professionals.
Supporting students with speech language and communication needs
Speech Pathology Australia
This website provides information about finding, choosing, and accessing speech pathology services, and fact sheets on topics such as Communication Impairment, Speech Pathology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Literacy, and Speech Pathology and Indigenous Children.
Spelfabet
This website designed by Speech Pathologist Alison Clarke provides information and resources for teaching the foundations of literacy. It aims to provide accessible and evidence based information about teaching literacy and children who have difficulty learning to read and write. It encourages the use of systematic synthetic phonics for teaching literacy skills in the first three years of school and provides evidence based resources.
Oral Language Supporting Early Literacy
This website outlines a research project undertaken in a number of schools under the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. The project aimed to improve the oral language skills of students in the early years of schooling, and in doing so improve their literacy skills. The website provides extensive resources for teachers and parents to support oral language and literacy skills. These resources include teaching outlines for addressing specific elements of language, websites and publications that support teachers in understanding concepts and issues surrounding oral language and literacy.
Managing challenging behaviour
DET Responding to Challenging Behaviour Guidelines
DET guidelines and resources for responding to challenging behaviour.
DET Managing Challenging Behaviour Online Course
The Managing Challenging Behaviour (MCB) online course is designed to enhance teachers' understanding of the causes and triggers of challenging behaviour and provide teachers with the skills and knowledge to maintain safe, orderly and inclusive environments for meaningful learning.
*Follow the link and set up an account to access the training.
DET Staged Response Checklist for Student Behaviour Issues
Schools should use the Staged Response Checklist as a guide to help them consider, implement and document their responses to incidents of challenging behaviour.
Challenging Behaviour Toolbox
The staged response to challenging behaviour process and resource toolbox seeks to provide schools with information to create and maintain safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments, a process to implement a staged approach to managing challenging student behaviour and a compilation of already existing resources located in one place for ease of use.
DET Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines
DET guidelines and resources regarding the reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion.
DET Responding to Incidents Guidance
DET advice and support to manage and respond to serious incidents affecting students.
Responding to sexual behaviours of concern
DET Responding to Student Sexual Offending Policy
DET policy is intended to provide information for schools about responding to allegations of student sexual assault or inappropriate sexualised behaviour in children under 10 or misuse of internet or mobile phones in relation to child pornography and youth produced sexual imagery or “sexting”.
Sexual Behaviours in Children and Adolescents
A guide from Family Planning Queensland for adults to identify, assess and respond to sexual behaviours which cause concern.
Kids First Therapeutic Services
In recognition of the devastating effects of sexual abuse trauma, CPS Therapeutic Services provides a specialist therapeutic program for children, young people and their families/carers. Kids First Therapeutic Services works with: Children and young people under 18 years of age who have been sexually abused; Children under the age of 10 who have displayed problematic sexualised behaviours; Young people between 10 and 17 who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviours.
Gatehouse Centre
Gatehouse Centre is a department of the Royal Children’s Hospital. It is a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) that provides assessment, treatment and advocacy services for children, young people (aged between 0-17) and their families, living in the North Western metropolitan area of Melbourne or the cities of Moreland and Hume, where sexual abuse is known or suspected to have happened and children, young people (aged between 0-15) and their families, living in the North Western metropolitan area of Melbourne or the cities of Moreland and Hume, where problem sexual or sexually abusive behaviours are a concern.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026
This plan demonstrates the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to improving performance and success of Koorie learners and closing the gap in Koorie education outcomes where these exist. Marrung will leverage the Education State reform agenda across early childhood, schools and vocational education and training. It will build culturally responsive and inclusive services and provide for targeted Koorie initiatives, including initiatives to support learners with additional needs to meet educational benchmarks.
Koorie Heritage Trust Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency Program
The Koorie Heritage Trust provide Aboriginal Cultural Competency/Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training programs and can tailor a program that suits particular requirements. The Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency program also includes a Strategic Partnerships Program designed specifically for School Leadership to develop their cultural competency in order to implement the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2013-2018 and the DET Garrin Garrin Policy into schools.
Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc Resources for Schools and Families
VAEAI resource list for schools and families including the Koorie Education calendar.
Tuckerbag Classroom Resources Database
A comprehensive Australian curriculum resource companion from VAEAI and the Koorie Heritage Trust that can be used by educators in Early Childhood, schools, and higher education to integrate Indigenous perspectives in the classroom.
DET Koorie Education Coordinator
KECs can assist Koorie students and schools with guidance and assistance on a range of programs and initiatives. You can contact your regional KEC through your DET Regional Office for further information and advice. The KEC is able to arrange for a Regional Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) to be assigned to any school where contact with Koorie families may be required.
Kids Matter Aboriginal Animations
KidsMatter, in partnership with highly regarded Aboriginal consultants, have developed a series of animations that are designed to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children and provide viewers with an understanding of what social and emotional wellbeing means to Aboriginal people. Additionally, three guidance videos and a range of other guidance resources have been developed to help you determine the best way to use the animations.
Aboriginal Literacy Resources
A list of websites and publications from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria supporting inclusive literacy curriculum.
AITSL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Resources
Valuable Initial Teacher Education resources for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, both in policy and practice.
Supporting students with a disability
Program for Students with Disabilities
DET guidelines and links on the Program for Students with Disabilities which provides additional support within the Student Resource Package for eligible students with disabilities in regular and specialist schools.
ABLES Online Professional Learning Program
The DET ABLES professional learning course is a free online course suitable for teachers and educational support staff. The course comprises five modules, each focusing on a specific element of the ABLES suite of resources and each requiring approximately one hour of online participation to complete.
Inclusive Classroom School Resource
The Inclusive Classroom School Resource from the Association for Children with a Disability assists teachers and schools to work together with families to create inclusive educational experiences for children with a disability.
DET ASD Information for Educational Professionals
This section includes a range of factsheets for educational professionals covering a broad overview of the characteristics and common behaviours of children and young people on the autism spectrum and related strategies and interventions that can be used as starting points for educational professionals.
DET ASD Support Materials
The Department has commissioned key partners to provide a wide range of information and practical resources. These resources provide a starting point as part of a broader approach that early childhood and school settings will take to meet the needs of children and young people on the autism spectrum.
Autism Connect
Autism Connect is a service open to all schools in North Western Victoria Region. The program aims to build whole school capacity to improve the outcomes for students with an ASD.
Click on Wellbeing Autism Spectrum Disorder Guide
This guide will assist schools to develop their understanding of autism spectrum disorder and to cater for the diverse needs of their students on the spectrum.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the autism spectrum disorder button.
Online Training for Special Education Needs
Online training courses which support teachers and educational personnel in Victorian government schools in responding to the diverse additional needs of students. The online courses are delivered through a supported training model over 8-10 weeks. This model includes tutor-led sessions for discussions, presentations and sharing of resources as well as self-paced individual study.
Courses are available on Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inclusion of students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Understanding Dyslexia and significant difficulties with reading, and Understanding Hearing Loss.
DET Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines
New and revised resources, including 15 Principles for the Reduction and Elimination of Restraint are now available to all Victorian government schools to help school staff manage student behaviour posing a risk to their staff or student's safety.
Education Needs Assessment
ENA Guidance
Guidance for school leaders, teachers, Student Support Services, case managers and Student Support Groups about the process to request and conduct an educational needs assessment for a child or young person in out-of-home care enrolled at a Victorian government school.
ENA Checklist
A checklist to guide planning for obtaining an education needs assessment.
Supporting students from refugee backgrounds
Support for refugee students
DET guidelines, resources and links for supporting students from refugee backgrounds.
Foundation House Schools Support Program
The Schools Support Program offers a specialist consulting service to schools in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Services include: participation in the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP), specialist resources for schools, partnerships with schools and professional learning.
Foundation House Schools Support Program Resources
Extensive resources and programs for schools supporting students from refugee backgrounds including: School’s In for Refugees; A whole-school approach to supporting students of refugee backgrounds, Klassroom Kaleidoscope: A program to facilitate connectedness and well-being in the culturally diverse classroom and The Rainbow Program for Children in Refugee Families.
Centre for Multicultural Youth
The Centre for Multicultural Youth is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to build better lives in Australia. Through a combination of specialist support services, training and consultancy, knowledge sharing and advocacy, they work to remove the barriers young people face as they make Australia their home.
Supporting students learning English as an additional language
DET EAL Guidelines and Resources
DET guidelines, resources and links to support students, schools, teachers, program planning, assessment and reporting in the area of EAL in Victorian government schools.
The EAL Handbook
A DET handbook outlining advice to schools planning and implementing programs to support students learning English as an Additional Language.
DET EAL Teaching Strategies
These teaching strategies provide a range of practical ways of supporting the English language development of EAL students. Each of the listed strategies identifies the mode/s on which it is focused (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Viewing, Writing), the EAL stages for which it is most useful, its purpose, the steps involved in using it, and why it is particularly helpful for EAL students.
DET Multicultural Education Aides Handbook
DET Guidance and Multicultural Educational Aides Handbook provides guidelines on the employment and roles of multicultural education aides in Victorian Government Schools
Accessing Interpreting and Translating Services
DET guidelines, information and access to accredited interpreters to support communication with students and families from language backgrounds other than English.
Supporting LGBTI students
DET Safe Schools Program
In 2010, the Victorian Government established Safe Schools to ensure schools are safe places for all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students, and are free of discrimination.
Safe Schools Coalition
Safe Schools Coalition Australia offers a suite of free resources and support to equip staff and students with skills, practical ideas and greater confidence to lead positive change and be safe and inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families.
DET Gender Identity Policy and Guidelines
DET policy, guidelines and resources to guide schools in supporting students’ gender identity.
Respecting Diversity
A range of resources are provided to assist teachers with the inclusion of sexual diversity in the school’s sexuality education program.
You’re Not Alone
This booklet produced by the WA AIDS Council’s Freedom Centre provides information for LGBTIQ and questioning young people.
Families Like Mine
This Beyond Blue resource is a guide for parents and families of young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse or who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
Trans Gender Victoria
Education and resources to support the trans and gender diverse community.
Minus18
Minus 18 is Australia’s national organisation for LGBTIQ youth. Their website provides access to resources, advice and events.
OMG I’m Trans
OMG I’m Trans is a Minus18 publication containing stories, advice, support and resources for transgender young people. This page also provides access to order other publications from Minus 18 such as OMG I’m Queer and OMG My Friend is Queer
Transcend
Transcend is an information hub for parents and families of transgender children.
Addressing bullying, racism and gender inequality
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships
Respectful Relationships is about tackling family violence through education. As part of a staged process, all Victorian schools will be supported to implement a whole school approach. This will include looking at schools’ practices and policies relating to gender and driving meaningful cultural change. The approach will build a culture of respect and equality in our schools - as learning places and as workplaces that achieve long-term change in the community.
DET Guidelines For the Prevention and Management of Bullying
Victorian government schools take bullying very seriously and have guidelines for its prevention and management.
Victorian Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Initiative
The DET Victorian Anti Bullying and Mental Health Initiative is a new $9.5 million investment to put a stop to bullying in our schools. This approach will give our schools the tools and resources they need to build a culture of respect and understanding, and to empower students to stand up and speak out when they see bullying.
Responding to and Managing Bullying Behaviours
This DET online module, developed in partnership with Dr. Ken Rigby (adjunct research professor, educational consultant and leading authority on bullying), has been developed as a practical guide to support teachers to respond and manage bullying and cyberbullying behaviours within schools.
Bully Stoppers
Bully Stoppers is the Department's online resource dedicated to bullying prevention. Developed by a range of experts, it provides advice for teachers, parents and students on how to identify, respond to and prevent bullying in their school community.
Click on Wellbeing Addressing Bullying in Education Guide
Bullying is a complex issue which can adversely impact on individuals and the school community at many levels. Navigating the maze of prevention and intervention strategies can be challenging for schools in itself. This guide is designed to support schools to make sense of what’s out there and to consider fresh ways to develop a whole school approach to the issue.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the Addressing Bullying in Education button.
Bullying. No Way!
The teachers section of the Bullying. No Way! website provides information and resources to help school leaders and teachers create and sustain safe and supportive school communities.
Racism. No Way!
The Racism. No way! project aims to assist school communities and education systems to recognise and address racism in the learning environment. The project is an initiative of the Chief Executive Officers of education systems across Australia.
Supports and community based services for students and their families
Child FIRST
A referral to Child FIRST is the best way of connecting children, young people and their families to the services they need. School staff should make a referral to Child FIRST where school staff have concerns about a child’s wellbeing but do not believe the child is in need of protection.
Victorian System of Care Referral Matrix
The Victorian System of Care Referral Matrix is a tool which supports parents and carers, school staff and other professionals to appropriately refer children and young people to mental health services. It enables the user to input information about the issues an individual child or young person may be presenting with in order to access local information and contact details for appropriate mental health services.
Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology Service
The Psychology Service offers specific clinical psychology and neuropsychology services to referrers in the hospital and in the community. Services include developmental, behavioural, emotional and psychosocial assessment to provide an understanding of presenting problems and their origins, diagnostic and cognitive assessments, short term interventions and secondary and tertiary consultations.
Raising Children Network
Funded under the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, the Raising Children Network is a national website aimed at helping families care for their children. It provides expert information and articles on a range of issues relevant to children’s development.
Better Health Channel
The Better Health Channel provides health and medical information online. It is a Victorian state government initiative that provides reliable and easy to understand information.
CAMHS and Schools Early Action Program
The Austin CASEA program has been designed to assist schools and families to support primary school-aged children with their social, emotional and behavioural development. It aims to enhance skills in understanding and expressing feelings, as well as getting along with others. The Austin CASEA program is delivered in the primary school setting for 8 students and parents.
Family Mental Health Support Service
FMHSS provides early intervention support to assist vulnerable families with children and young people who are at risk of, or affected by, mental illness. These services support parents to reduce stress and enable young people to reach their potential.
Kids First
Kids First (formerly Children’s Protection Society) provide a range of services to children, young people and families, and deal with complex issues of sexual abuse and neglect of children, family violence, homelessness, poverty, mental health, drug and alcohol issues and the trauma that these have on the lives of children and families.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CAMHS strives to provide multidisciplinary support in a collaborative manner delivering mental health services to children and young people with their needs, wellbeing, and safety recognised and protected.
The Bouverie Centre
The Bouverie Centre work with families affected by alcohol and other drugs, gambling, mental health and trauma to help them strengthen relationships and resolve problems standing in the way of their well-being. Services include family therapy and Taekwondo classes for clients under 18 years of age.
Australian Clinical Psychology Association
Australian Psychological Society
Psychologists have specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. Use the ACPA ‘Find a Clinical Psychologist’ website or the APS ‘Find a Psychologist’ website to locate a qualified psychologist in the required area or seek a referral from a pediatrician or GP.
Headspace
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Information and services for young people, their families and friends as well as health professionals can be accessed through the website, headspace centres and the online counselling service e-headspace.
Kids Helpline
Phone, internet and web-based counselling, information and support for young people.
Youth Beyond Blue
Information, advice and support for young people about anxiety, depression and related issues.
Victoria Legal Aid
Information, advice and support with legal matters.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to find the services they need, right now and nearby. It is Australia wide, free and anonymous and can help with finding housing, meals, health services, counselling, legal help, addiction help and many more services.
State Schools Relief Fund
If you have a family who is struggling to meet the costs of school uniforms, shoes, books and stationery for their children, you may be able to receive these for free or at a discount through State Schools’ Relief. Applications must be made by the school.
Promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all students
PROTECT – The Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.
Child Protection Protocol
Information and resources to promote and support the safety and wellbeing of all children in early childhood services and schools including the protocol, guides on making a report to Child Protection or Child FIRST, mandatory reporting training, Child Wise publications and links to supporting organisations.
Mandatory Reporting Online Learning Modules
The Department of Education and Training (DET) module provides information about the roles and responsibilities for protecting children, and specific advice on how to identify, respond to and report concerns regarding the safety, health and wellbeing of children. It also provides advice about new criminal offences that have been introduced to protect children (failure to disclose, failure to protect, grooming).
Child FIRST
A referral to Child FIRST is the best way of connecting children, young people and their families to the services they need. School staff should make a referral to Child FIRST where school staff have concerns about a child’s wellbeing but do not believe the child is in need of protection.
Guidelines, procedures and resources for the reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion
New and revised resources, including 15 Principles for the Reduction and Elimination of Restraint are now available to all Victorian government schools to help school staff manage student behaviour posing a risk to their staff or student's safety.
Self-Care for Educators
Employee Assistance Program
Information regarding the Employee Assistance Program available to DET staff.
DET Trauma Sensitive Practice Project Self Care and Wellbeing Resources
This DET compiled resource provides a varied list of assessments, strategies, resources and readings to support educator self-care and wellbeing.
Self-Care for Educators
A fact sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on managing compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.
Teacher Self Care Tip Sheet
This resource was originally developed for the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) and has been revised for use as part of the Queensland Government Natural Disaster Response, 2011. It provides tips for managing compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress as well as some online resources.
Recommended Books
Supporting students with attachment difficulties
Inside I’m Hurting: Practical Strategies for Supporting Children with Attachment Difficulties in Schools. by Louise Bombèr.
Inside I'm Hurting provides educational professionals with a classroom handbook of strategies, practical tools and the confidence to support children from an attachment perspective, thus promoting inclusion in the school system.
What about Me?: Inclusive Strategies to Support Pupils with Attachment Difficulties Make It Through the School Day by Louise Bombèr.
What would a genuinely supportive school day look like in real practice, for children who have experienced attachment difficulties and developmental vulnerability? What are the core features of an attachment-friendly school? How can we promote inclusion and positively affect learning outcomes amongst pupils in need, at risk, in care and adopted? Loiuse Bombèr, teacher, therapist, trainer and author, draws on her extensive experience in working with these children and young people.
Attachment in the Classroom: the links between children's early experience, emotional wellbeing and performance in school by Heather Geddes.
Every day, teachers and other school staff have to deal with children who present challenging behaviour during their learning process at school. This book combines the fundamental principles of attachment theory with teacher-based examples, and practical 'how-to' interventions.
Trauma and the brain
Traumatic Experience and the Brain by Dave Ziegler
This book details the effect of trauma on the developing brain, describing how it actually rewires one's perceptions of self, others, and the world.
The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz.
Child psychiatrist Bruce Perry has treated children faced with unimaginable horror: genocide survivors, witnesses, children raised in closets and cages, and victims of family violence. Here he tells their stories of trauma and transformation.
Distressed or Deliberately Defiant by Dr Judith Howard
It is not unusual for educators today, whether in the early childhood, primary or secondary sectors, to be confronted with severely challenging student behaviour. Such behaviour has considerable impact on the delivery of teaching and learning programs and the emotional wellbeing of the teachers themselves as well as raising safety risks for the entire school community. This book explains the basis for such behaviour as the neurological, physiological and behavioural outcomes of ""disorganised attachment"" due to prolonged exposure to a traumatic home life and provides practical advice to educators on ways that schools can effectively manage these students
Behaviour management
Prevent –Teach- Reinforce by Glen Dunlap et al.
This is a practical guide to the research-proven Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model. Developed by some of the most respected authorities on positive behaviour support, this innovative model gives school-based teams a five-step plan for reducing problems unresolved by typical behaviour management strategies.
Calmer Classrooms
This booklet assists kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers, and other school personnel in understanding and working with children and young people whose lives have been affected by trauma.
Making Space for Learning
This resource guide from the Australian Childhood Foundation focuses on understanding trauma in children and young people and responding to it within a school context. It offers opportunities to build practical strategies to support these children and young people.
Helping Traumatized Children Learn
A report and policy agenda for creating supportive school environments for children traumatized by family violence from the Massachusetts Advocates for Children.
SMART online training
The SMART (Strategies for Managing Abuse Related Trauma) Program is an 11 module online learning course from the Australian Childhood Foundation that focusses on supporting children and young people in a range of educational and other settings. The course is free and can be completed at your own pace.
Trauma Sensitive Practice - North West Victoria Region
This DET NWVR eduGate page has an array of resources, professional learning, policies, templates and programs that will assist in building a theoretical understanding of trauma sensitive practice, develop a shared understanding and literacy, and assist workforces to support vulnerable learners and families. There are also resources available to support teacher self-care and wellbeing. DET credentials will be required to login and access the materials.
Caring Classrooms
A guide to understanding traumatised children and young people for parents and the school community.
The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network website
(ACATLGN) is a network that works with a team of experts to bring together evidence based resources and research in order to make them more accessible to those working with children and young people who have been affected by trauma and grief. Their website includes comprehensive resources, webinars and a free e-learning course on trauma informed care.
Indigenous Trauma Information and Resources
This Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network site provides information and contacts to enhance strengths to help Indigenous children and families get through tough times.
Tip Sheet on Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Supporting Recovery From Trauma
Families and children who have sought refuge in Australia may face many challenges in creating a new life. This tip sheet from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network provides information on supporting recovery from trauma for refugees and asylum seekers.
Kids Matter Understanding Trauma
This link provides a short video produced by KidsMatter together with the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network and an information sheet for schools on understanding and supporting students who have experienced trauma.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Learning Centre
Launched in May 2017, the Core Curriculum on Childhood Trauma (CCCT) Online Modules are a resource created by the NCTSN for all individuals who work with children and families exposed to trauma events. These modules help learners develop a trauma lens through which they can view and better comprehend the effects of traumatic experiences and losses.
Professional Articles by Dr Bruce Perry
Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. is an internationally-recognized authority on children in crisis and the Senior Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, a Houston-based organization dedicated to research and education on child maltreatment. See this link for professional articles on trauma, attachment, the brain and learning, core strengths, the developing child and children in distress.
Stepping up for Kids
This learning resource booklet from the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma Loss and Grief Network provides information on understanding and supporting children who have experienced family and domestic violence.
Understanding children with attachment difficulties
Understanding Attachment and Trauma Blended Learning
Understanding Attachment and Trauma is an online learning course that enables teachers to undertake professional learning focusing on the understanding, assessment and classroom support of students with disrupted attachment and trauma experiences.
Children’s Attachment Theory and how to use it
This short video provides a simple explanation of attachment theory and how it can be utilized to understand and work with children with insecure attachment styles.
Supporting students living in out of home care
Partnering Agreement
Schools, Child Protection Practitioners and case workers are required to meet their obligations under the Out-Of-Home Care Education Commitment: A Partnering Agreement between: the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Department of Education and Training (DET), Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and Independent Schools Victoria.
LOOKOUT Education Support Centres
The DET LOOKOUT Centres are designed to boost the capacity of schools, Child Protection Practitioners and out-of-home care services to improve educational outcomes for children and young people living in out-of-home care.
Out of Home Care Resources
DET endorsed resources and guidelines for supporting students in out of home care.
Student Support Group Guidelines
The DET Student Support Group guidelines and templates are a valuable resource outlining the membership, key objectives and roles of a SSG.
DET Learning Mentor Guidelines
DET guidelines on the role of the learning mentor and links to training and support materials.
Learning Mentor Training
This series of 12 short clips are available on FUSE and provide an introduction to the Partnering Agreement, the role of the Learning Mentor and an introduction to working within a trauma and attachment theory informed framework. *Follow the link, log in to FUSE then search ‘Learning Mentor Training’ (Clip 1 – 12).
Out-of-Home...Not Out of School
This resource was produced to promote an understanding of the world of students in out-of-home care. The video and professional learning guide are available on Click on Wellbeing and include Learning Mentor training modules designed to build the capacity of school based staff who are taking on the role of Learning Mentor.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the supporting students in out of home care button.
ENA Guidance
Guidance for school leaders, teachers, Student Support Services, case managers and Student Support Groups about the process to request and conduct an educational needs assessment for a child or young person in out-of-home care enrolled at a Victorian government school.
IEP Guidelines
Schools must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student in Out-of-Home Care. This plan should be developed by the Student Support Group. These DET guidelines include IEP templates and information regarding their requirements.
Great Expectations
While Calmer Classrooms examines the impact of trauma and attachment disruption experiences on children generally, this resource particularly addresses the educational needs of children and young people who live in out-of-home care.
Appointing a Learning Mentor for every student living in out of home care
DET Learning Mentor Guidelines
DET guidelines on the role of the learning mentor and links to training and support materials.
Learning Mentor Training
This series of 12 short clips are available on FUSE and provide an introduction to the Partnering Agreement, the role of the Learning Mentor and an introduction to working within a trauma and attachment theory informed framework.
*Follow the link, log in to FUSE then search ‘Learning Mentor Training’ (Clip 1 – 12).
Out-of-Home...Not Out of School
This resource was produced to promote an understanding of the world of students in out-of-home care. The video and professional learning guide are available on Click on Wellbeing and include Learning Mentor training modules designed to build the capacity of school based staff who are taking on the role of Learning Mentor.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the supporting students in out of home care button.
Establishing a Student Support Group
Student Support Group Guidelines
The DET Student Support Group guidelines and templates are a valuable resource outlining the membership, key objectives and roles of a SSG.
The Team Around the Learner
Team Around the Learner (TAL) provides a framework for an individualised, holistic and team-based approach to support learners at risk of disengaging or who have disengaged from education and learning. Key people work together as a team, coordinate a plan to meet the needs of the learner and to support them to continue to engage in or re-engage in education and learning.
Developing an Individual Education Plan
IEP Guidelines
Schools must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student in Out-of-Home Care. This plan should be developed by the Student Support Group. These DET guidelines include IEP templates and information regarding their requirements.
Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
DET Behaviour Support Plan Guidelines
DET information, guidelines and resources for developing Behaviour Support Plans.
SWPBS Functional Behaviour Analysis and Behaviour Support Plan training videos
SWPBS Tier III intervention videos on Functional Behaviour Analysis and Behaviour Support Plans.
*Follow the link, log in to EduGate and access training materials numbers 25, 26 & 27.
PBIS World
PBIS World is a website containing links to hundreds of interventions, supports, resources, and data collection tools, all of which are organized into the tier 1 through 3 framework. It is designed to help guide users through the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports implementation process, starting with behavior identification and offering suggestions for interventions and data collection tools.
Challenging Behaviour Toolbox
The staged response to challenging behaviour process and resource toolbox seeks to provide schools with information to create and maintain safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments, a process to implement a staged approach to managing challenging student behaviour and a compilation of already existing resources located in one place for ease of use.
Stages of Behaviour Escalation
Table from Colvin and Sugai (1989) outlining the stages of the behaviour escalation cycle, the area of focus and intervention tips for each stage.
Supporting student attendance
Attendance resources
DET templates, plans and guidelines for supporting attendance. DET credentials will be required to log in to eduGate.
Click on Wellbeing Improving Attendance Guide
This attendance guide will assist schools to gain an understanding of the issues that can manifest in non-attendance. It will assist in identifying and planning interventions, strategies and support for individuals and also offer ideas for school-wide approaches to addressing promoting attendance.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the improving attendance button.
Identifying Students at Risk
DET guidelines on identifying students at risk of disengagement.
DET Attendance Resources
Provides information about factors affecting attendance and ideas to assist if a child is reluctant to go to school.
Supporting student engagement
Whole School Engagement Strategies and Supports
DET information on whole school engagement strategies and supports.
DET Student Engagement Guidance
The DET Student Engagement and Inclusion Guidance provides advice on developing a Student Engagement Policy, promoting positive student behaviour and responding to challenging behaviour.
Click on Wellbeing Student Engagement Guide
This student engagement guide will assist schools in building relationships for effective learning and teaching.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the student engagement button.
School Focused Youth Service
Through the School Focused Youth Service, schools and community organisations will support at risk young people (aged 10-18) who require prevention or early intervention strategies to assist their learning, development, health and wellbeing.
Click on Wellbeing Supporting Young People to Stay Engaged with Education Practice Guide
This guide has been created as legacy of the passionate people behind the establishment of Youth Partnerships in Loddon Mallee area. The guide has been developed to support schools, local government and community service organisations to work together to respond to the needs of at risk young people.
Supporting student wellbeing, positive behaviour and mental health
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Learning Materials
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials have been designed for teachers in primary and secondary schools to develop students’ social, emotional and positive relationship skills. The materials cover eight topics of Social and Emotional Learning across all levels of primary and secondary education: Emotional Literacy; Personal Strengths; Positive Coping; Problem Solving; Stress Management; Help Seeking; Gender and Identity; and Positive Gender Relationships.
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials have been designed for teachers in primary and secondary schools to develop students’ social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Efforts to promote social and emotional skills and positive gender norms in children and young people has been shown to improve health related outcomes and subjective wellbeing. It also reduces antisocial behaviours including engagement in gender-related violence.
SWPBS
School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is an evidence-based framework for preventing and responding to student behaviour. It aims to create a positive school climate, a culture of student competence and an open, responsive management system for all school community members.
SWPBS Road Map
Infographic detailing key facets of the SWPBS framework
PBIS World
PBIS World is a website containing links to hundreds of interventions, supports, resources, and data collection tools, all of which are organized into the tier 1 through 3 framework. It is designed to help guide users through the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports implementation process, starting with behavior identification and offering suggestions for interventions and data collection tools.
Kids Matter
A mental health and wellbeing framework for primary schools and early childhood education and care services.
SAFE Minds
The Victorian Government has partnered with headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation to develop SAFEMinds: Schools And Families Enhancing Minds, a comprehensive learning and resource package that will enhance the capacity of school communities to effectively identify children and young people with early signs of mental health issues, offer school-based interventions and refer appropriately when needed.
Whole School Engagement Strategies and Supports
DET information on whole school engagement strategies and supports.
Kids Helpline @ School
Kids Helpline @ School is an early intervention and prevention model for all primary school aged students around Australia. The program allows primary schools to invite Kids Helpline counsellors into their classroom via video link or phone. Each session is facilitated by a tertiary qualified Kids Helpline counsellor who then works with the teacher/school counsellor to tailor each session to the needs of the school and particular class. Sessions aim to improve mental health literacy in primary school aged children, promote resilience and encourage help seeking behaviours.
DET Promoting and Supporting Mental Health Online Course
The Promoting and Supporting Mental Health program aims to support staff in schools to recognise and understand their role in promoting mental health and to build their capacity and skills to create environments where children and young people can thrive, learn and grow.
*Follow the link and set up an account to access the training.
DET Support and Resources for Specific Groups of Students
The following information outlines resources, strategies and supports for specific groups of students who have additional needs, or who may face particular barriers to engaging with school.
Andrew Fuller’s website
As a clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families. His website includes resources on resilience, psychology and brains and learning for students, schools, parents and professionals.
Supporting students with speech language and communication needs
Speech Pathology Australia
This website provides information about finding, choosing, and accessing speech pathology services, and fact sheets on topics such as Communication Impairment, Speech Pathology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Literacy, and Speech Pathology and Indigenous Children.
Spelfabet
This website designed by Speech Pathologist Alison Clarke provides information and resources for teaching the foundations of literacy. It aims to provide accessible and evidence based information about teaching literacy and children who have difficulty learning to read and write. It encourages the use of systematic synthetic phonics for teaching literacy skills in the first three years of school and provides evidence based resources.
Oral Language Supporting Early Literacy
This website outlines a research project undertaken in a number of schools under the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria. The project aimed to improve the oral language skills of students in the early years of schooling, and in doing so improve their literacy skills. The website provides extensive resources for teachers and parents to support oral language and literacy skills. These resources include teaching outlines for addressing specific elements of language, websites and publications that support teachers in understanding concepts and issues surrounding oral language and literacy.
Managing challenging behaviour
DET Responding to Challenging Behaviour Guidelines
DET guidelines and resources for responding to challenging behaviour.
DET Managing Challenging Behaviour Online Course
The Managing Challenging Behaviour (MCB) online course is designed to enhance teachers' understanding of the causes and triggers of challenging behaviour and provide teachers with the skills and knowledge to maintain safe, orderly and inclusive environments for meaningful learning.
*Follow the link and set up an account to access the training.
DET Staged Response Checklist for Student Behaviour Issues
Schools should use the Staged Response Checklist as a guide to help them consider, implement and document their responses to incidents of challenging behaviour.
Challenging Behaviour Toolbox
The staged response to challenging behaviour process and resource toolbox seeks to provide schools with information to create and maintain safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments, a process to implement a staged approach to managing challenging student behaviour and a compilation of already existing resources located in one place for ease of use.
DET Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines
DET guidelines and resources regarding the reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion.
DET Responding to Incidents Guidance
DET advice and support to manage and respond to serious incidents affecting students.
Responding to sexual behaviours of concern
DET Responding to Student Sexual Offending Policy
DET policy is intended to provide information for schools about responding to allegations of student sexual assault or inappropriate sexualised behaviour in children under 10 or misuse of internet or mobile phones in relation to child pornography and youth produced sexual imagery or “sexting”.
Sexual Behaviours in Children and Adolescents
A guide from Family Planning Queensland for adults to identify, assess and respond to sexual behaviours which cause concern.
Kids First Therapeutic Services
In recognition of the devastating effects of sexual abuse trauma, CPS Therapeutic Services provides a specialist therapeutic program for children, young people and their families/carers. Kids First Therapeutic Services works with: Children and young people under 18 years of age who have been sexually abused; Children under the age of 10 who have displayed problematic sexualised behaviours; Young people between 10 and 17 who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviours.
Gatehouse Centre
Gatehouse Centre is a department of the Royal Children’s Hospital. It is a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) that provides assessment, treatment and advocacy services for children, young people (aged between 0-17) and their families, living in the North Western metropolitan area of Melbourne or the cities of Moreland and Hume, where sexual abuse is known or suspected to have happened and children, young people (aged between 0-15) and their families, living in the North Western metropolitan area of Melbourne or the cities of Moreland and Hume, where problem sexual or sexually abusive behaviours are a concern.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026
This plan demonstrates the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to improving performance and success of Koorie learners and closing the gap in Koorie education outcomes where these exist. Marrung will leverage the Education State reform agenda across early childhood, schools and vocational education and training. It will build culturally responsive and inclusive services and provide for targeted Koorie initiatives, including initiatives to support learners with additional needs to meet educational benchmarks.
Koorie Heritage Trust Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency Program
The Koorie Heritage Trust provide Aboriginal Cultural Competency/Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training programs and can tailor a program that suits particular requirements. The Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency program also includes a Strategic Partnerships Program designed specifically for School Leadership to develop their cultural competency in order to implement the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2013-2018 and the DET Garrin Garrin Policy into schools.
Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc Resources for Schools and Families
VAEAI resource list for schools and families including the Koorie Education calendar.
Tuckerbag Classroom Resources Database
A comprehensive Australian curriculum resource companion from VAEAI and the Koorie Heritage Trust that can be used by educators in Early Childhood, schools, and higher education to integrate Indigenous perspectives in the classroom.
DET Koorie Education Coordinator
KECs can assist Koorie students and schools with guidance and assistance on a range of programs and initiatives. You can contact your regional KEC through your DET Regional Office for further information and advice. The KEC is able to arrange for a Regional Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) to be assigned to any school where contact with Koorie families may be required.
Kids Matter Aboriginal Animations
KidsMatter, in partnership with highly regarded Aboriginal consultants, have developed a series of animations that are designed to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children and provide viewers with an understanding of what social and emotional wellbeing means to Aboriginal people. Additionally, three guidance videos and a range of other guidance resources have been developed to help you determine the best way to use the animations.
Aboriginal Literacy Resources
A list of websites and publications from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria supporting inclusive literacy curriculum.
AITSL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Resources
Valuable Initial Teacher Education resources for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, both in policy and practice.
Supporting students with a disability
Program for Students with Disabilities
DET guidelines and links on the Program for Students with Disabilities which provides additional support within the Student Resource Package for eligible students with disabilities in regular and specialist schools.
ABLES Online Professional Learning Program
The DET ABLES professional learning course is a free online course suitable for teachers and educational support staff. The course comprises five modules, each focusing on a specific element of the ABLES suite of resources and each requiring approximately one hour of online participation to complete.
Inclusive Classroom School Resource
The Inclusive Classroom School Resource from the Association for Children with a Disability assists teachers and schools to work together with families to create inclusive educational experiences for children with a disability.
DET ASD Information for Educational Professionals
This section includes a range of factsheets for educational professionals covering a broad overview of the characteristics and common behaviours of children and young people on the autism spectrum and related strategies and interventions that can be used as starting points for educational professionals.
DET ASD Support Materials
The Department has commissioned key partners to provide a wide range of information and practical resources. These resources provide a starting point as part of a broader approach that early childhood and school settings will take to meet the needs of children and young people on the autism spectrum.
Autism Connect
Autism Connect is a service open to all schools in North Western Victoria Region. The program aims to build whole school capacity to improve the outcomes for students with an ASD.
Click on Wellbeing Autism Spectrum Disorder Guide
This guide will assist schools to develop their understanding of autism spectrum disorder and to cater for the diverse needs of their students on the spectrum.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the autism spectrum disorder button.
Online Training for Special Education Needs
Online training courses which support teachers and educational personnel in Victorian government schools in responding to the diverse additional needs of students. The online courses are delivered through a supported training model over 8-10 weeks. This model includes tutor-led sessions for discussions, presentations and sharing of resources as well as self-paced individual study.
Courses are available on Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inclusion of students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Understanding Dyslexia and significant difficulties with reading, and Understanding Hearing Loss.
DET Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines
New and revised resources, including 15 Principles for the Reduction and Elimination of Restraint are now available to all Victorian government schools to help school staff manage student behaviour posing a risk to their staff or student's safety.
Education Needs Assessment
ENA Guidance
Guidance for school leaders, teachers, Student Support Services, case managers and Student Support Groups about the process to request and conduct an educational needs assessment for a child or young person in out-of-home care enrolled at a Victorian government school.
ENA Checklist
A checklist to guide planning for obtaining an education needs assessment.
Supporting students from refugee backgrounds
Support for refugee students
DET guidelines, resources and links for supporting students from refugee backgrounds.
Foundation House Schools Support Program
The Schools Support Program offers a specialist consulting service to schools in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Services include: participation in the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP), specialist resources for schools, partnerships with schools and professional learning.
Foundation House Schools Support Program Resources
Extensive resources and programs for schools supporting students from refugee backgrounds including: School’s In for Refugees; A whole-school approach to supporting students of refugee backgrounds, Klassroom Kaleidoscope: A program to facilitate connectedness and well-being in the culturally diverse classroom and The Rainbow Program for Children in Refugee Families.
Centre for Multicultural Youth
The Centre for Multicultural Youth is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to build better lives in Australia. Through a combination of specialist support services, training and consultancy, knowledge sharing and advocacy, they work to remove the barriers young people face as they make Australia their home.
Supporting students learning English as an additional language
DET EAL Guidelines and Resources
DET guidelines, resources and links to support students, schools, teachers, program planning, assessment and reporting in the area of EAL in Victorian government schools.
The EAL Handbook
A DET handbook outlining advice to schools planning and implementing programs to support students learning English as an Additional Language.
DET EAL Teaching Strategies
These teaching strategies provide a range of practical ways of supporting the English language development of EAL students. Each of the listed strategies identifies the mode/s on which it is focused (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Viewing, Writing), the EAL stages for which it is most useful, its purpose, the steps involved in using it, and why it is particularly helpful for EAL students.
DET Multicultural Education Aides Handbook
DET Guidance and Multicultural Educational Aides Handbook provides guidelines on the employment and roles of multicultural education aides in Victorian Government Schools
Accessing Interpreting and Translating Services
DET guidelines, information and access to accredited interpreters to support communication with students and families from language backgrounds other than English.
Supporting LGBTI students
DET Safe Schools Program
In 2010, the Victorian Government established Safe Schools to ensure schools are safe places for all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students, and are free of discrimination.
Safe Schools Coalition
Safe Schools Coalition Australia offers a suite of free resources and support to equip staff and students with skills, practical ideas and greater confidence to lead positive change and be safe and inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families.
DET Gender Identity Policy and Guidelines
DET policy, guidelines and resources to guide schools in supporting students’ gender identity.
Respecting Diversity
A range of resources are provided to assist teachers with the inclusion of sexual diversity in the school’s sexuality education program.
You’re Not Alone
This booklet produced by the WA AIDS Council’s Freedom Centre provides information for LGBTIQ and questioning young people.
Families Like Mine
This Beyond Blue resource is a guide for parents and families of young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse or who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
Trans Gender Victoria
Education and resources to support the trans and gender diverse community.
Minus18
Minus 18 is Australia’s national organisation for LGBTIQ youth. Their website provides access to resources, advice and events.
OMG I’m Trans
OMG I’m Trans is a Minus18 publication containing stories, advice, support and resources for transgender young people. This page also provides access to order other publications from Minus 18 such as OMG I’m Queer and OMG My Friend is Queer
Transcend
Transcend is an information hub for parents and families of transgender children.
Addressing bullying, racism and gender inequality
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships
Respectful Relationships is about tackling family violence through education. As part of a staged process, all Victorian schools will be supported to implement a whole school approach. This will include looking at schools’ practices and policies relating to gender and driving meaningful cultural change. The approach will build a culture of respect and equality in our schools - as learning places and as workplaces that achieve long-term change in the community.
DET Guidelines For the Prevention and Management of Bullying
Victorian government schools take bullying very seriously and have guidelines for its prevention and management.
Victorian Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Initiative
The DET Victorian Anti Bullying and Mental Health Initiative is a new $9.5 million investment to put a stop to bullying in our schools. This approach will give our schools the tools and resources they need to build a culture of respect and understanding, and to empower students to stand up and speak out when they see bullying.
Responding to and Managing Bullying Behaviours
This DET online module, developed in partnership with Dr. Ken Rigby (adjunct research professor, educational consultant and leading authority on bullying), has been developed as a practical guide to support teachers to respond and manage bullying and cyberbullying behaviours within schools.
Bully Stoppers
Bully Stoppers is the Department's online resource dedicated to bullying prevention. Developed by a range of experts, it provides advice for teachers, parents and students on how to identify, respond to and prevent bullying in their school community.
Click on Wellbeing Addressing Bullying in Education Guide
Bullying is a complex issue which can adversely impact on individuals and the school community at many levels. Navigating the maze of prevention and intervention strategies can be challenging for schools in itself. This guide is designed to support schools to make sense of what’s out there and to consider fresh ways to develop a whole school approach to the issue.
*Follow the link and sign up for free to Click on Wellbeing. Log in and click on the Addressing Bullying in Education button.
Bullying. No Way!
The teachers section of the Bullying. No Way! website provides information and resources to help school leaders and teachers create and sustain safe and supportive school communities.
Racism. No Way!
The Racism. No way! project aims to assist school communities and education systems to recognise and address racism in the learning environment. The project is an initiative of the Chief Executive Officers of education systems across Australia.
Supports and community based services for students and their families
Child FIRST
A referral to Child FIRST is the best way of connecting children, young people and their families to the services they need. School staff should make a referral to Child FIRST where school staff have concerns about a child’s wellbeing but do not believe the child is in need of protection.
Victorian System of Care Referral Matrix
The Victorian System of Care Referral Matrix is a tool which supports parents and carers, school staff and other professionals to appropriately refer children and young people to mental health services. It enables the user to input information about the issues an individual child or young person may be presenting with in order to access local information and contact details for appropriate mental health services.
Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology Service
The Psychology Service offers specific clinical psychology and neuropsychology services to referrers in the hospital and in the community. Services include developmental, behavioural, emotional and psychosocial assessment to provide an understanding of presenting problems and their origins, diagnostic and cognitive assessments, short term interventions and secondary and tertiary consultations.
Raising Children Network
Funded under the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, the Raising Children Network is a national website aimed at helping families care for their children. It provides expert information and articles on a range of issues relevant to children’s development.
Better Health Channel
The Better Health Channel provides health and medical information online. It is a Victorian state government initiative that provides reliable and easy to understand information.
CAMHS and Schools Early Action Program
The Austin CASEA program has been designed to assist schools and families to support primary school-aged children with their social, emotional and behavioural development. It aims to enhance skills in understanding and expressing feelings, as well as getting along with others. The Austin CASEA program is delivered in the primary school setting for 8 students and parents.
Family Mental Health Support Service
FMHSS provides early intervention support to assist vulnerable families with children and young people who are at risk of, or affected by, mental illness. These services support parents to reduce stress and enable young people to reach their potential.
Kids First
Kids First (formerly Children’s Protection Society) provide a range of services to children, young people and families, and deal with complex issues of sexual abuse and neglect of children, family violence, homelessness, poverty, mental health, drug and alcohol issues and the trauma that these have on the lives of children and families.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CAMHS strives to provide multidisciplinary support in a collaborative manner delivering mental health services to children and young people with their needs, wellbeing, and safety recognised and protected.
The Bouverie Centre
The Bouverie Centre work with families affected by alcohol and other drugs, gambling, mental health and trauma to help them strengthen relationships and resolve problems standing in the way of their well-being. Services include family therapy and Taekwondo classes for clients under 18 years of age.
Australian Clinical Psychology Association
Australian Psychological Society
Psychologists have specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. Use the ACPA ‘Find a Clinical Psychologist’ website or the APS ‘Find a Psychologist’ website to locate a qualified psychologist in the required area or seek a referral from a pediatrician or GP.
Headspace
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Information and services for young people, their families and friends as well as health professionals can be accessed through the website, headspace centres and the online counselling service e-headspace.
Kids Helpline
Phone, internet and web-based counselling, information and support for young people.
Youth Beyond Blue
Information, advice and support for young people about anxiety, depression and related issues.
Victoria Legal Aid
Information, advice and support with legal matters.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to find the services they need, right now and nearby. It is Australia wide, free and anonymous and can help with finding housing, meals, health services, counselling, legal help, addiction help and many more services.
State Schools Relief Fund
If you have a family who is struggling to meet the costs of school uniforms, shoes, books and stationery for their children, you may be able to receive these for free or at a discount through State Schools’ Relief. Applications must be made by the school.
Promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all students
PROTECT – The Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.
Child Protection Protocol
Information and resources to promote and support the safety and wellbeing of all children in early childhood services and schools including the protocol, guides on making a report to Child Protection or Child FIRST, mandatory reporting training, Child Wise publications and links to supporting organisations.
Mandatory Reporting Online Learning Modules
The Department of Education and Training (DET) module provides information about the roles and responsibilities for protecting children, and specific advice on how to identify, respond to and report concerns regarding the safety, health and wellbeing of children. It also provides advice about new criminal offences that have been introduced to protect children (failure to disclose, failure to protect, grooming).
Child FIRST
A referral to Child FIRST is the best way of connecting children, young people and their families to the services they need. School staff should make a referral to Child FIRST where school staff have concerns about a child’s wellbeing but do not believe the child is in need of protection.
Guidelines, procedures and resources for the reduction and elimination of restraint and seclusion
New and revised resources, including 15 Principles for the Reduction and Elimination of Restraint are now available to all Victorian government schools to help school staff manage student behaviour posing a risk to their staff or student's safety.
Self-Care for Educators
Employee Assistance Program
Information regarding the Employee Assistance Program available to DET staff.
DET Trauma Sensitive Practice Project Self Care and Wellbeing Resources
This DET compiled resource provides a varied list of assessments, strategies, resources and readings to support educator self-care and wellbeing.
Self-Care for Educators
A fact sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on managing compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.
Teacher Self Care Tip Sheet
This resource was originally developed for the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network (ACATLGN) and has been revised for use as part of the Queensland Government Natural Disaster Response, 2011. It provides tips for managing compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress as well as some online resources.
Recommended Books
Supporting students with attachment difficulties
Inside I’m Hurting: Practical Strategies for Supporting Children with Attachment Difficulties in Schools. by Louise Bombèr.
Inside I'm Hurting provides educational professionals with a classroom handbook of strategies, practical tools and the confidence to support children from an attachment perspective, thus promoting inclusion in the school system.
What about Me?: Inclusive Strategies to Support Pupils with Attachment Difficulties Make It Through the School Day by Louise Bombèr.
What would a genuinely supportive school day look like in real practice, for children who have experienced attachment difficulties and developmental vulnerability? What are the core features of an attachment-friendly school? How can we promote inclusion and positively affect learning outcomes amongst pupils in need, at risk, in care and adopted? Loiuse Bombèr, teacher, therapist, trainer and author, draws on her extensive experience in working with these children and young people.
Attachment in the Classroom: the links between children's early experience, emotional wellbeing and performance in school by Heather Geddes.
Every day, teachers and other school staff have to deal with children who present challenging behaviour during their learning process at school. This book combines the fundamental principles of attachment theory with teacher-based examples, and practical 'how-to' interventions.
Trauma and the brain
Traumatic Experience and the Brain by Dave Ziegler
This book details the effect of trauma on the developing brain, describing how it actually rewires one's perceptions of self, others, and the world.
The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz.
Child psychiatrist Bruce Perry has treated children faced with unimaginable horror: genocide survivors, witnesses, children raised in closets and cages, and victims of family violence. Here he tells their stories of trauma and transformation.
Distressed or Deliberately Defiant by Dr Judith Howard
It is not unusual for educators today, whether in the early childhood, primary or secondary sectors, to be confronted with severely challenging student behaviour. Such behaviour has considerable impact on the delivery of teaching and learning programs and the emotional wellbeing of the teachers themselves as well as raising safety risks for the entire school community. This book explains the basis for such behaviour as the neurological, physiological and behavioural outcomes of ""disorganised attachment"" due to prolonged exposure to a traumatic home life and provides practical advice to educators on ways that schools can effectively manage these students
Behaviour management
Prevent –Teach- Reinforce by Glen Dunlap et al.
This is a practical guide to the research-proven Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model. Developed by some of the most respected authorities on positive behaviour support, this innovative model gives school-based teams a five-step plan for reducing problems unresolved by typical behaviour management strategies.
We acknowledge the use of the Bath and North East Somerset resource
© Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO (2014)
© Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO (2014)
