In Victorian government schools, almost 25 per cent of the population is from language backgrounds other than English. The provision of appropriate educational support, particularly English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, is essential.
A range of services is provided to mainstream schools to support students from language backgrounds other than English. This includes funding for ESL programs.
Topics on this page include:
Students are defined as being ESL students if they come from a language background other than English, and require additional support in learning English as a second or additional language.
Funding is allocated to schools to provide ESL programs for students based on the number of students who:
See ESL Index Funding (below) for more details.
The Language Background Other Than English census collects details of students who come from language backgrounds other than English. The census is conducted in schools each year as part of the mid-year census.
All schools are required to complete the census using CASES 21 (Computerised Administrative Systems Environment for Schools). Data collected in the census is used as the basis for ESL Index funding the following year.
For further information on census procedures and requirements, contact the Census Hotline:
Tel: (03) 9637 3225
Fax: (03) 9637 2830
Email: census@edumail.vic.gov.au
Copies of current census enrolment guidelines and quickguides can be obtained from the Department's web site at School Improvement and Accountability.
ESL Index funding is allocated to mainstream schools through the Student Resource Package (SRP). Funding is based on data collected from the Language Background Other Than English Census collected from all government schools in August each year.
A weighted formula, that reflects both the length of time in an Australian school and the stage of schooling, is then applied to the students identified. Schools are required to meet a funding threshold before receiving ESL Index funding.
Schools which experience significant increases to their ESL student profile throughout in the year may be eligible for ESL contingency funding. Such schools should contact Kelly Juriansz, Student Learning Division, by telephone on (03) 9637 2135.
For detailed data on students from language backgrounds other than English and ESL programs in government schools, refer to the ESL Annual Reports.
More information about the Student Resource Package is available in the Guide to the Student Resource Package (https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/srp)
Funding is allocated to government schools for the employment of multicultural education aides to assist with communication between the school and parents of students from language backgrounds other than English. They also assist students in the classroom or on a one-to-one basis.
All schools reaching the funding thresholds for ESL Index funding have a funding component for employment of Multicultural Education Aides (MEAs). The MEA funding component is approximately 25% of the ESL Index funding allocation.
For data on MEAs in schools refer to the ESL Annual Reports.
All schools receiving ESL index funding are required to complete the annual ESL Survey as part of the mid year census. The purpose of the survey is to:
For data on information collected in the survey refer to the ESL Reports.
The ESL handbook (PDF - 344Kb) – Advice to schools on programs for supporting students learning English as second language. This is the key document for schools requiring information about supporting ESL programs in schools
The ESL Unit provides assistance to schools in the implementation of policies and programs to support ESL learners. For enquires contact:
ESL Manager
Ruth Crilly
Tel: (03) 9637 2039
crilly.ruth.k@edumail.vic.gov.au
ESL curriculum, professional learning
Daina Coles
Telephone: (03) 9637 2132
coles.daina.d@edumail.vic.gov.au
New Arrivals Programs, Support for refugees in schools, ESL Index funding
Kelly Juriansz
Tel: (03) 9637 2135
juriansz.kelly.k@edumail.vic.gov.au
New arrivals data collection
Jane Petterson
Tel: (03) 9637 2023
petterson.jane.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
Isolated ESL Student Support Program, New Arrivals Kit, ESL curriculum
Janet Saker
Tel: (03) 9637 2129
saker.janet.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
ESL Curriculum, Interpreting and Translating
Carmel Sandiford
Tel: (03) 9637 3800
sandiford.carmel.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
ESL Unit fax:
(03) 9637 2040