National Safe Schools FrameworkThe National Safe Schools Framework was developed by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs. It is a collaborative effort by the Australian Government, State and Territory government and non-government school authorities and other key stakeholders.

The Framework incorporates existing good practice and provides an agreed national approach to help schools and their communities address issues of bullying, harassment, violence, and child abuse and neglect.

The Framework recognises the need for sustained positive approaches that include an appreciation of the ways in which social attitudes and values impact on the behaviour of students in our school communities.

The aim of the Framework is to assist all school communities in building safe and supportive schools where:

• bullying, harassment and violence are minimised
• students receive support on issues related to child abuse and neglect
  

The National Safe Schools Framework [pdf 220kb] consists of a set of nationally agreed principles and related key elements/approaches that schools can put in place to effectively provide a safe and supportive learning environment.

The National Safe Schools Framework - Best Practice Grants Programme 2004-05

There is a growing awareness within Australia of the importance of safe learning environments in promoting social and academis outcomes for students.  NSSF Making Australian Schools Safer report  (with Appendices)   written by Dr Helen Mc Grath showcases best practice in Australian schools through the National Safe Schools Framework Best Practice Grants Programme.

Under the Program funding was provided to 171 schools. The schools were a representative sample of Australian schools.  The report elaborates on what is already known about preventing and managing bulling in schools by describing the projects of participating schools and indentifying recurring themes and issues.  It also aims to raise awareness about the difference between bullying, aggression, violence, harassment and conflict to allow schools to respond to each more appropriately and to develop effective management strategies.