Our policy

The Road Safety Education, Driver Education and Training Policy provides the framework for the planning and teaching of road safety in NSW public schools.

The NSW Wellbeing Framework for schools is a statement of what is valued as excellence in student wellbeing in NSW public schools. It supports schools to create a planned approach to wellbeing using evidence-based strategies that are strengths-based, preventative and focus on early intervention. This includes strengthening students’ cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing domains of development.

Physical wellbeing is associated with the extent to which we feel physically safe and healthy. It includes physical activity, nutrition, physical safety (such as road safety) and security, and preventative health care. Physical wellbeing enables positive health outcomes.

Sample guidelines for effective implementation of Road Safety Education Policy

What do we do?

Our dedicated team provides professional learning and support about road safety education to teachers in NSW public schools.

Our road safety education officers:

• tailor professional learning support for your school's needs. Register your interest online.
• offer workshops for primary and secondary teachers about best practice road safety education
• work with small groups of schools on road safety education projects and initiatives
• provide advice to principals and schools about the implementation of the department's Road Safety Education, Driver Education and Training Policy
• co-develop road safety strategies to help improve the physical wellbeing of students
• support principals to help solve road safety issues in and around schools.

Our aim

Empower children and young people in NSW public schools to be safe road users now and into the future.

Whole school approach to road safety education

A whole school approach to road safety education is where schools, parents, carers and communities work together to create a safe supportive environment for students to learn, understand, practise and apply road safety knowledge and skills.

The Road Safety Education Program uses this approach when supporting NSW government schools K-12 to:

• improve quality teaching of the curriculum
• create and maintain a safe supportive culture, environment, and policy
• engage and liaise with parents, carers and the school community.

Curriculum

Effective road safety teaching and learning is:

• localised
• student-centred, skills-focused and engaging
• strength based with educative purpose
• aligned with PDHPE K-10 syllabus and Stage 6 Life Ready learning outcomes

Policy environment and culture

Schools create and sustain a safe environment on-site and in the school zone by using:

• the department's Road Safety Education Policy
• risk management tools
• duty of care processes
• safe road user procedures
• local stakeholders

Parents and community partnerships

The whole school community:

• shares responsibility for keeping children safe
• reinforces safe road use
• acts safely in the road environment
• engages in decision making about safe travel.

Road safety education support for schools from the other education sectors

Association of Independent Schools

Catholics Schools NSW

Kids and Traffic the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program