Cleaning

Exemptions

The VSBA School Cleaning Unit evaluates exemption requests from schools unable to engage a compliant provider and wishing to hire a cleaner directly as an Education Support Officer.

Requests to employ a cleaner directly

Permission to directly employ a cleaner is typically granted to schools in isolated areas or with special circumstances. Schools must submit this exemption request (DOCX), signed by the School council president, to the VSBA School Cleaning Unit at cleaning@education.vic.gov.au

Exemption requests should be submitted no earlier than 3 weeks before the current contract or exemption expires. Approval is usually granted for up to 12 months, with the option to seek renewal before the expiry.

If approved to hire directly, schools must comply with employment obligations, including paying entitlements such as leave, and managing performance and termination where necessary.

For advice, contact the VSBA School Cleaning Unit at cleaning@education.vic.gov.au

Requests to take a different market approach

Schools must follow the Procurement – Schools policy to ensure competitive pricing and service. However, schools may seek an exemption from the go-to-market approach with valid justification using the A12 Exemption Request Template (DOCX) (staff login required.

For advice, contact the Schools Procurement Branch at schools.procurement@education.vic.gov.au