Accommodation

Supervision

These recommendations are intended to guide schools in planning arrangements. Schools should adapt them to their specific context and circumstances while prioritising student safety and wellbeing.

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults, determine supervision requirements based on the activity, students’ needs, and the local context.

Principals must actively consider the minimum safety standards in the CARA guideline, CARA planner, and the identified context-specific hazards, risks, and control measures when deciding on supervision levels.

Note: Supervision responsibility cannot be delegated to others (e.g. accommodation providers/operators).

Number of adult supervisors

Ensure the number of supervisors accounts for emergency and supervision roles, considering the activity, students' ages, abilities, specialised learning, access and/or health needs. In some cases, a 1:1 supervision ratio may be required.

Ensure supervision and support for students of all sexes and gender identities.

Refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for further guidance.

Responsibilities of adult supervisors

Before the activity:

• Familiarise themselves with the venue layout and facilities, including the plan for sleeping arrangements and supervision.
• Complete the required induction.
• Must be familiar with the department’s reporting requirements in accordance with the allegations against workers in the area of child and student protection procedure.

During the activity:

• Adult supervisors (workers) are required to act in a way that is consistent with relevant legislation, including Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld).
• Actively and directly supervise participants for the duration of the stay (including during unstructured free time), remaining vigilant and attentive.
• Maintain a visible presence, conducting regular checks on students.
• Follow control measures outlined during induction and adapt to any emerging hazards.

Sleeping arrangements

• Adult supervisors should not sleep alone in the same dormitory or sleeping quarters as students.
• For students requiring active care and supervision overnight (e.g. by a parent or a nurse), consideration must be given to sleeping placement, a duty roster and communication processes prior to approving the location. Departmental staff can search for personal care plans on OnePortal.

Supervisor qualifications

These recommendations are intended to guide schools in planning arrangements. Schools should adapt them to their specific context and circumstances while prioritising student safety and wellbeing.

Qualifications support the minimum safety standard for this activity.

Principals determine supervisor capability, considering competence, relevance and currency of qualifications. Refer to the FAQs for further guidance.

Comply with the working with children (blue card) procedure.

Qualified adults for the activity

At least 1 adult supervisor is either:

• a registered teacher
• an adult supervisor, working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher.

Recovery/emergency—CPR, first aid, rescue

• HLTAID009—provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• HLTAID011—provide first aid or SISSS00118—sports trainer level 1.

Facilities and equipment

These recommendations are intended to guide schools in planning arrangements. Schools should adapt them to their specific context and circumstances while prioritising student safety and wellbeing.

The qualified adult supervisor of the activity, in consultation with the principal, determines the requirements for facilities and equipment appropriate to the local context.

Accommodation to:

• be suitable for all participants
• meet safety and security standards, including fire safety, accessibility, and hygiene requirements
• allow for effective supervision and support for students.

Locate adult supervisor sleeping quarters within close proximity to student sleeping quarters to facilitate active supervision and quick response to emergencies.

Students not permitted to enter adult supervisor sleeping quarters unless under exceptional circumstances (e.g. emergencies).

Provide each participant with their own bed.

Consider the suitability of bunk beds, particularly for younger students or students with disabilities.

Accommodation arrangements to be culturally sensitive and inclusive. Privacy to be provided to all participants when using their accommodation, changing room, and toilet facilities.

Prevent student access to inappropriate content through movies, television, or other media available at the accommodation.

Common hazards and controls

Further to those listed, include any additional hazards and control measures considering the local context of the activity.

Additional links

• Sport Integrity Australia—Safeguarding in sport: Events involving overnight stays (PDF, 1.4MB)
• Outdoors Queensland
• The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award—Queensland