Schools - Boarding facilities
Who needs a blue card?
Volunteers and trainee students need a blue card if their work or practical placement is carried out, or is likely to be carried out, inside a boarding facility at a school, unless an exemption applies.
Police officers do not apply for a blue card and should instead apply for an exemption card under this category if they are providing child-related services which are outside of their professional duties. Read more about applying for an exemption card (PDF, 231KB).
Find out more about the application process for disability service providers (PDF, 287KB)
If you are a state government employee there are specific application forms which can be obtained from your Department's HR or Screening area.
Examples of people who need a blue card...
- Volunteer workers within a boarding school providing services or activities for children
- Volunteers conducting other work within the boarding school, e.g. maintenance work, and
- Trainee students doing a practical placement inside a boarding school as part of their studies with an education provider.
Who doesn't need a blue card?
A blue card is not required if the person is a:
- volunteer guest of a school or recognised body and are:
- observing or supplying information or entertainment to ten or more people, and
- the activity is for ten days or less on no more than two occasions per year, and
- the person is unlikely to be alone with a child without another adult present.
- volunteer at a national or state event organised by a school or recognised body:
- for a sporting, cultural or skill based activity, and
- the event is attended my more than 100 people, and
- the work is for ten days or less on no more than two occasions per year, and
- the person is unlikely to be alone with a child without another adult being present.
There are certain people who do not require a blue card under this category, including:
- Approved or registered teachers (even if they are working outside of their professional capacity)
- Registered health practitioners, if the work they are doing with children and young people relates to their function as a registered health practitioner, and
- A child under 18 years of age, unless they are a trainee student doing a practical placement as part of their studies with an education provider.
Examples of people who don't need a blue card...
- A school nurse or doctor who provides medical advice and first aid to children in the boarding facility
- An approved or registered teacher who is also a boarding school supervisor or performs any other services in the school boarding facility.
If you require a blue or exemption card under this category you will need to complete and submit an application form.
Last Updated: 30 June, 2014
