Every NSW public school with Aboriginal student enrolments receives Aboriginal background equity loading.
The level of funding and rate per student for each school is determined by the number of Aboriginal students and the percentage of Aboriginal students in the school. Data is extracted using the mid-year census data from National Schools Statistics Collection (NSSC) – all Aboriginal enrolments.
The allocation may include Aboriginal education officer (AEO) or Aboriginal school learning support officer (ASLSO) entitlement appearing on published enrolment and entitlement reports. Staff entitlement included in the Aboriginal background loading is funded from the loading and is not in addition to the loading. If applicable, the staff entitlement will appear in the blue section on page 8 of the SBAR.
Your school’s Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) must show your school community how the school will meet student needs and improve learning outcomes for all students. Funding contributions for each activity must be reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective and achieving desired outcomes. Accountability for the effective use of the funds to improve student learning occurs through your school’s SIP and Annual Report.
The department’s goal is for Aboriginal students to match or better the outcomes of the broader student population in the following areas:
- rates of school attendance
- performance in literacy and numeracy
- Year 12 attainment
- supporting every Aboriginal student to foster their cultural knowledge and identity.
Engaging Aboriginal people in partnership and decision making is a critical element of successful practice. The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG Inc.) is the peak community advisory body, and schools should acknowledge and seek advice from NSW AECG Inc. and local AECGs when considering, designing and implementing Aboriginal programs.