Department of Employment, Education and Training

Your role in your child's schooling

Northern Territory schools recognise the key role parents and guardians play in their children’s education. Parents are encouraged to be involved in a variety of ways, from listening to a child’s reading to being a part of school management through the school council.

The Northern Territory Department of Employment, Education and Training recognises that students’ learning is enhanced when parents and schools work together. The department’s Partners in Education: Parent Policy actively encourages parents to participate in their children’s education at a range of levels.

Choosing the right school for your child

Generally, parents can choose the school most suitable for their child.

Each school community is unique and develops its own policies within the department’s policy frameworks. These may include policies on behaviour management, parent participation, school uniforms, homework and reporting to parents. Copies of school policies are available from the individual schools.

School councils

Schools in the Northern Territory are managed by school councils. The majority of council members are parents of children attending the school. Other members include the principal, teachers, and sometimes students and invited community members.

Councils make decisions that directly affect the school. Members have a say in the goals and priorities of the school, as well as its education priorities, through the school’s Action Plan. The school council is also responsible for the school budget; develops and maintains the school’s buildings and grounds; and employs non-government staff.

Parents can also take part in decisions through membership on a subcommittee. These groups advise the school council on specific interest areas.

The monthly school council meetings are usually open to the public.

Your child’s progress

How and when you receive reports on your child’s progress depends on the school. Schools develop their own communication links between home and school, including the method and frequency of reporting formally to parents.

Parents are encouraged to meet with their child’s classroom teacher regularly to discuss their progress and any issues that may affect their child’s progress or work.

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