Safe to Practise Policy
UTAS is committed to continuously improving the management and standards of occupational health and safety and in so doing we strive to protect the health and safety of our students and other people in the community with whom students interact as part of their study.
From 1 May 2011 those enrolled in a pre-service teacher education course are required to acknowledge and sign a declaration that they have read the Safe to Practise Policy and disclose their capacity to safely undertake the professional experience placement functional requirements.
- In accordance with the University of Tasmania's Safe to Practise Policy and Occupational Health and Safety Policy, all students required to undertake placement(s) are to establish and maintain their medical, physical and psychological capacity to practise safely.
- In order to meet the University occupational health and safety requirements, you are required to read the University Safe to Practise Policy sign the Safe to Practise Declaration and return this to the Professional Experience Office. If you need to make a disclosure then take the Safe to Practise Medical Check Form to a medical practitioner before you sign and return the agreement.
Safe to Practise Declaration and Medical Check Form
Click here to be download a copy of the declaration and medical check form. Please note that you only need to complete the medical check form if you need to make a disclosure. This form only needs to be completed once per year unless there is any change to the information.
Functional Requirements
1. Reading and Writing
Capacity to:
- prepare written documentation relevant to the educational context
- accurately record observations and reflections
- assist students with their reading and writing
2. Critical Thinking and Analysis
Capacity to:
- critically self evaluate and reflect upon own practice, feelings and beliefs and the consequences of these for individuals and groups within the classroom and within the wider school community
- critically evaluate and reflect upon students’ development and learning
3. Communication
Capacity to:
- accept instruction and professional criticism
- clarify obligations regarding teaching practice
- resolve conflict and negotiate with the school community
- communicate with students in an appropriate manner in order to sustain a positive and safe learning environment
4. Psychological
Capacity to:
- interact with the school community in a caring and respectful manner
- remain emotionally calm in all situations
- model behaviour appropriate to the profession and the educational context
5. Physical
Capacity to:
- use technical equipment, which includes having the dexterity to handle and operate equipment
- physically manage essential equipment and materials
- maintain adequate mobility and/or agility in order to effectively carry out teaching responsibilities
Please note the following:
- Declaring a medical, physical and/or psychological condition will not automatically exclude you from undertaking a Professional Experience placement.
- UTAS is committed to anti-discrimination practices and will provide reasonable adjustments to enable students to participate in placements as long as safety requirements are not compromised.
- Your health information will only be used for the direct purpose for which it is collected. If you do not provide the information requested you may be refused a placement.
This documentation is viewed by the School of Education, Professional Experience Office with two possible outcomes:
1. All students who establish their capacity to practise safely are deemed eligible to fully participate in the relevant course and undertake professional experience placements.
2. The Professional Experience Task Group reviews the documentation of any student identified as having a medical, physical or psychological impairment to:
- decide the student’s eligibility to undertake placement; and
- identify possible reasonable adjustments for a student who is able to undertake a supported placement
Where to return your completed form:
- Scanned copy forwarded by email to: Ann.Brown@utas.edu.au
- To the drop box located at the Fish Bowl on the Launceston campus
- To the School of Education reception, level 4, Hytten Hall, Sandy Bay Campus
- To the Professional Experience Office by mail to the following address: Professional Experience Office, Locked Bag 1307, Launceston TAS 7250
