ASQA and TAC are looking to see that an RTO can demonstrate its commitment to identifying and supporting the student well-being needs of your RTO. This includes young learners, older learners and promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.
The Draft Revised Standards for RTOs have introduced a focus on Learner Support as it relates to “wellbeing”. Lets explore some ways to do this.
Identifying Student Well-being Needs
Embrace the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of your learners.
- Conduct pre-enrolment assessments or interviews to understand individual learners’ circumstances, support needs, and potential barriers to learning.
- Observe learners during training for signs of requiring additional support, such as disengagement, absenteeism, or personal issues impacting their studies.
- Implement processes for learners to request support services.
Provide Training for Staff
Offer professional development opportunities for trainers and support staff to enhance their skills in identifying and responding to well-being concerns among learners and other staff. This could include mental health first aid training, trauma-informed practices, or cultural awareness training.
As you implement well-being initiatives, celebrate the successes, no matter how small. Recognising and sharing positive outcomes can motivate further efforts and inspire others within the RTO to contribute to the cause. At the same time, approach challenges with a growth mindset. Analyse setbacks or ineffective strategies to identify areas for improvement and adapt your approach. Learner well-being is a complex area, and continuous learning is essential.
Conduct Well-being Surveys
Implement regular well-being surveys or questionnaires for learners to self-report any concerns, challenges, or support needs they may have. This can be done during enrolment, at regular intervals throughout the course, or upon request.
Establish a Well-being Committee
Form a well-being committee comprising staff members, learner representatives, and external experts (if applicable). This committee can review feedback, identify trends, and recommend strategies to address well-being needs within the learner cohort.
Providing Well-being Support Services
Develop a Well-being Resource Hub
Create a centralised online or physical resource hub that provides information on available well-being support services, both internal and external. This could include contact details, service descriptions, and self-help resources.
Remember, even small steps towards supporting learner well-being can have a profound impact.
Implement Peer Support Programs
Establish peer support programs where learners can connect with trained peer mentors or support groups. Extending the well-being focus beyond individual learners cultivates a supportive and inclusive community within the RTO. Encourage peer support networks, promote diversity and inclusion, and create opportunities for learners to connect and build meaningful relationships.A strong sense of community can provide a valuable safety net, where learners feel understood, valued, and empowered to seek help when needed.
Collaborate with Community Organisations
Partner with local community organisations, health services, or counselling providers to offer on-site or referral-based well-being support services tailored to the needs of your learner cohort.
Reach out to other RTOs, or industry associations to share best practices and learn from their experiences in supporting learner well-being. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can provide valuable insights and inspire new approaches.
Conduct Child Safety Risk Assessments
Develop and enforce a clear code of conduct that outlines expected behaviours and responsibilities for staff and learners when interacting with young learners, promoting a safe and respectful learning environment.
Regularly assess potential risks to the safety and well-being of young learners, considering factors such as course content, delivery modes, physical environments, and staff-learner interactions.
Implement Child Safety Training
Provide mandatory child safety training for all staff, covering topics such as recognising signs of abuse or neglect, reporting procedures, and creating a child-safe culture within the RTO.
RTO Policies & procedures
And finally develop and review your RTO policies and procedures to identify relevant support services that can assist learners, such as counselling, disability support, financial aid, or mental health resources.
Each RTO is unique, and it’s student cohorts vary, so these suggestions may not be suitable for your learners. While the specific strategies may not be a perfect fit, the key is to approach learner well-being with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and experiment. Even implementing one or two initiatives tailored to your learners’ needs could make a significant difference in supporting their well-being and potentially preventing or addressing challenging situations.
Rather than attempting to implement a comprehensive well-being program from the outset, consider starting small and iterating based on learner feedback and observed outcomes. Pilot a well-being initiative, gather data on its effectiveness, and refine or expand it as needed. Engage your learners in the process of identifying well-being needs and developing support strategies. Their insights and perspectives can be invaluable in ensuring that the initiatives resonate with their experiences and address their specific concerns.
Happy well-being 🌸😊
