Health and Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing

Flexible Learning Options

    Through schools and regional offices, the Department offers a range of flexible learning options including programs traditionally known as alternative settings to support students who are experiencing significant difficulties remaining engaged in mainstream schooling. 

    Flexible learning options range from diverse curriculum options, programs which work with students in their school setting, and off school site programs whose primary goal is the full time return of the student to the regular school. 

    Review of alternative education

    During 2009 and 2010, the Department undertook a review of alternative education provision in Victoria and commissioned a report by KPMG to inform the development of a consistent policy framework for flexible learning options.  For a copy of the KPMG report see, Re-engaging our kids – A framework for education provision to children and young people at risk of disengaging or disengaged from school (PDF - 5.8Mb).

    The development of a policy framework is intended to commence a longer-term change process to move from the current system of flexible learning option provision to a strengthened, consistent and more coordinated approach to addressing student disengagement.  This involved a review of national and international literature and best practice, regional forums, site visits and targeted stakeholder consultations.

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    Directions Paper

    Following the review of alternative education programs, Pathways to re-engagement through flexible learning options: a policy direction for consultation (PDF - 376Kb) (the Directions Paper) has been developed. The Directions Paper aims to describe the role of flexible learning options in responding to student disengagement and to signal proposed directions and components of the flexible learning options policy framework to be established.

    The purpose of the Directions Paper is to prompt discussion and seek feedback about the proposed characteristics of flexible learning options policy framework. The views of stakeholders and staff involved in the provision of education and flexible learning options for students at risk of disengagement are sought and there are a series of discussion questions throughout the Paper.

    Feedback on the development of the flexible learning options policy framework will be essential for creating a shared understanding of how the framework can support the enhanced educational outcomes for children and young people who are most vulnerable to disengagement from schooling. This is an important opportunity for stakeholders to have their say and this contribution will be invaluable in shaping and implementing the flexible learning options policy framework.

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    Next steps

    The next stage of strengthening the provision of flexible learning options will be to develop the proposed policy framework in 2010 to enable time to prepare and plan for anticipated implementation in 2011.