Site Management

A well maintained, functional and aesthetic school site has a positive influence on student values, behaviour and performance. School grounds should provide a safe, manageable, pleasant and ecologically responsible outdoor environment.

Neighbourhood amenity

Although planning permits are not required for education developments, the Department seeks to ensure that all site developments are sensitive to the rights of owners whose properties adjoin a school.

Vehicular access

Vehicular access to school sites is usually restricted to staff and occasional visitors as well as delivery vehicles, buses and, if required, ambulances and fire-engines.

Schools with a large proportion of students bussed to and from the site each day must ensure student safety. To this end (and in conjunction with local government and/or VicRoads), the Department may contribute to projects that ensure student and staff safety on roads surrounding school sites.

Landscaping and shading

Landscaping combines planting and plant maintenance with amenities for outdoor activities. Detailed information is provided in Section 7 of the Department's Building Quality Standards Handbook.

Due to Australia’s high skin cancer rates, sun protection is an important health and safety issue for staff and students alike. When planning for shade, refer to Shade for Everyone: a Practical Guide for Shade Development. Phone SunSmart on (03) 9635 5148 for a free copy, or see Sunsmart 

Playground equipment

Only approved playground equipment can be erected in school grounds. In general this includes sandpits, slides, horizontal and vertical ladders, gymnastic combinations, climbing nets and frames, and fixed climbing ropes. Seesaws, swings, maypoles, merry-go-rounds, roundabouts, and flying foxes are not approved. To assist with the development of such facilities, the Department has produced the Guidelines for School Playgrounds (PDF - 78Kb).

Additional information on playground design and construction can be found at the Playgrounds and Recreation Association of Victoria 

Swimming pools

Swimming pools on school sites must comply with state building regulations. Once installed, pools must be properly cleaned and maintained in a safe state. Most importantly, students must be supervised at all times.

For more information, see Building Commission