Standard 4; Evidence 2

Standard 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning

environments
EDFD221:Creating Inclusive, Safe and Supportive Schools
This assignment consisted of composing a letter from an avatar student and/or their
parents/carers responding to a school that is refusing enrolment. I t needed to include
information about inclusion, as well as relevant legislative documents.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing in regards to the unsuccessful enrolment of Esme Miller. I am the foster Mother
of Esme and she has been in my care for the last 2 months
This letter is composed to tell you why you cannot refuse enrolment to my child. From
looking at various inclusion principles, frameworks designed for Australian Schools and
different legislation, I have realised that I am well within my rights to contest this decision

Both the framework for Values in Australian Schools and the National Safe Schools
Framework have been developed so that each child has the best possible education. The
framework for values recognises nine values that should be present in every school, one of
these being inclusion- being included and including others (Commonwealth of Australia,
2005). It also recognises the importance of the schools role in promoting and fostering these
values (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). At the moment, these values are not being
upheld in your school. By accepting Esme into your school, you are not only showing us that
you are fostering these values, but you are also modelling a great example to your students-
that acceptance of all students, regardless of diversity and differences is the right thing to do.

The National Safe Schools Framework also encourages this sort of behaviour, where
teachers model, teach and encourage pro-social values in their interactions with the school
community (Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth
Affairs, 2011). These values are similar to the nine set out by the Framework for Values,
some of which include respect, acceptance of diversity and friendliness and inclusion
(Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs, 2011).
This is imperative for Esme to experience, for her to learn some values and know that the
support systems around her have the same values too. Most importantly, the National Safe
Schools Framework ensures that schools know that they are responsible for providing a safe
Comment [N1]: The national safe
schools framework and the framework for
values in Australian schools are two
legislative document which supports
students wellbeing and safety at school. By
using these documents and applying them
to a student, it is clear that I have an
understanding of them (focus area 4.4).
Standard 4; Evidence 2

environment for students to learn in, where students feel as if they belong (Ministerial
Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs, 2011). Helping
Esme feel like she is safe and that she belongs means that she will be happier and
comfortable, thus more likely to stay in the same place.


Comment [N2]: This is further
evidence of my knowledge for these
frameworks and their relevancy to the
primary school setting
This assignment also enabled me to
critically examine the current policies and
principles on inclusion, disability (focus
area 4.4).