The Accreditation at Proficient Teacher in NSW Public Schools policy was consolidated with the Accreditation at Highly Accomplished Teacher and Lead Teacher in NSW Public Schools policy. It was renamed Accreditation in NSW Public Schools.

The update streamlined the policy and removed duplication between the department and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). It names NESA as the regulator and provides implementation support for schools. It also highlights NESA's changed role as the Teacher Accreditation Authority and clarifies the roles of school employees.

Applicable from: 8 December 2022

The Inclusive education for students with disability policy consolidates the People with Disabilities - Statement of Commitment and the Assisting Students with Learning Difficulties policies.

The policy was updated to clarify staff roles and responsibilities in delivering inclusive education. The department's legal obligations have not changed since the Disability Standards for Education 2005. It also draws on relevant standards such as the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Teacher Standards. The policy is supported by new practice resources to support schools to strengthen inclusive practice.

Applicable from: 10 October 2022

The Sharing of School Facilities policy is the result of consolidating the following policies that relate to external entities using school facilities:

• Community Use of School Facilities policy
• Joint Use of School Facilities and Land policy
• Mobile Telecommunications Facilities policy.

The policy also covers external advertising on school fences, previously provided in the Commercial Arrangements – School-Based Activities policy.

The consolidated policy makes it easier for staff to find advice on the appropriate agreement, if any, that needs to be in place for various types of shared use.

The new Sharing of School Facilities Procedures (PDF 361 KB) was developed and tested with schools. The content has been reorganised and clearer instructions have been added to address many of the pain points identified by schools, including:

• differentiation of the various P&C activities and the required documentation
• direction to contact School Infrastructure NSW support staff for facility use that needs a lease/licence agreement (OSHC, canteens, markets, uniform shops, other commercial uses)
• support materials for advertising on the school perimeter
• clarification of the school’s role when an installation of telecommunication facilities on or near a school is proposed
• contact details for specific activities related to the sharing of school facilities.

The Using School Facilities site has also been updated. It will remain accessible from the ‘What we offer’ page under the ‘About our school’ section in websites supported by the School Website Service.

The processes to establish and manage community use agreements have not changed. There are no changes to current forms or the operation of the online management system.

Applicable from: 1 October 2021

The Commercial Arrangements, Sponsorship and Donations policy is the result of consolidating the following policies:

• Commercial Arrangements – School-Based Activities policy
• Sponsorship policy.

The updated policy makes it easier for schools to make informed decisions around promotional activities, sponsorship, fundraising, gifts and donations.

New Commercial Arrangements, Sponsorship and Donations procedures (PDF 374 KB) and resources were developed and tested with schools. It includes details of the following changes:

• grouping of external revenue sources for guidance on fundraising, gifts, donations, grants and bequests
• guidance for determining unsuitable sponsorship benefits and promotional activities
• requirement to consult with Business Engagement and Development and Procurement for sponsorship activities above $50,000 (previously $10,000)
• completing the sponsorship register for sponsorship activities
• guidelines for when messages from external organisations may be shared on department communication channels
• guidelines for outgoing sponsorships (supporting community events and initiatives with department funds), working with P&Cs and advertising. The instructions for advertising on the school perimeter have been moved to the Sharing of School Facilities policy.

Applicable from: 1 October 2021

The Student Counselling Records and Psychological Tests policy is the result of consolidating the following policies:

• Student Counselling Files policy
• Psychological Tests policy.

The consolidated policy makes it easier for schools to find, interpret and implement the requirements for administering psychological tests and securely managing student counselling files.

Applicable from: 27 August 2021

The Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services policy is the result of consolidating the following policies:

• Student Bring Your Own Device Policy (BYOD) policy, including the Student BYOD Agreement and BYOD Guidelines
• Online Communication Services: Acceptable Usage for School Students policy.

The consolidated policy makes it easier for schools to find advice on managing student use of digital devices and online services, including restricting access.

Applicable from: 27 January 2020