School Review

7. Advice for small schools

Matching of reviewers

The School Planning, Review and Annual Reporting Unit will match schools to a reviewer with expertise in working with schools with 200 enrolments or fewer.

Professional learning

Examples tailored specifically for small schools will be made available as part of the school review professional learning.

A special half-hour pre-review briefing is also offered to schools with 30 enrolments or fewer in the term before the scheduled review (upon request). Please contact the team at schoolreview@education.vic.gov.au if you would like to access the briefing.

Further information on professional learning is available in the Preparing for a school review guidance chapter.

Time release to participate in school review activities

Schools with up to 100 enrolments are eligible to claim reimbursement for up to 2 days of casual relief teacher (CRT) coverage to support completion of the PRSE and/or participation in review days.

Schools submit reimbursement requests through the Schools Targeted Funding Portal after the review is completed. Further information on claiming the reimbursement is provided to schools before the review begins.

For more information, refer to the Schools Targeted Funding Portal.

For a quick guide on how to use the portal, refer to Walkthrough for schools (PDF) (staff login required).

Cluster reviews

Schools may express interest in a cluster review, which involves undertaking a review together with one or more local and/or similar schools.

The principals, in partnership with their senior education improvement leader (SEIL) and reviewer, can agree what activities will be shared or separated. For example, schools may conduct classroom observations and staff focus groups together but have separate panel meetings and student focus groups. If desired, the cluster schools can develop common key directions for their next School Strategic Plans (SSP).

Annex or hub schools that have a shared SSP can combine their school reviews, sharing review days and the review report.

If schools are interested in a cluster review, this can be discussed with their SEIL, who will follow-up with the School Planning, Review and Annual Reporting Unit to coordinate.

Advice on the use of data to develop key directions for the School Strategic Plan for smaller schools is available on the School Strategic Plan guidance (coming soon).