Disability workers in schools

​On Tuesday 18 July 2023, the Disability Service Safeguards Amendment Regulations 2023 came into effect.

The regulations make amendments that exempt teachers and principals registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), including early childhood teachers, who provide teaching services in a school setting from the requirements of the Disability Worker Regulation Scheme.

As a result of the regulations:

• VIT-registered teachers teaching in a school setting are not covered by the Disability Worker Regulation Scheme
• VIT-registered teachers providing disability services, for example outside the school setting, continue to be covered by the Disability Worker Regulation Scheme

Disability workers, including those working in the education sector, for example education support officers or integration aides, continue to be covered by the Disability Worker Regulation Scheme.

Registered teachers and principals will continue to be accountable to the Victorian Institute of Teaching and the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and their own codes of conduct.

VRQA understands that the Victorian Disability Worker Commission is working alongside other regulators on the implementation of the regulations, to promote the safeguarding of students with disability.

Further information about the Disability Worker Regulation Scheme is available from Victorian Disability Worker Commission or by calling 1800 497 132.

For information about  the teaching profession's Codes of Conduct and Ethics see VIT teacher conduct and suitability(opens in a new window)