Health and safety
Teacher Candidates are advised to take the following protective measures regarding their own health while on placement:
- Ensure immunisation against Hepatitis, Measles, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Rubella is up to date
- Ensure that they are physically healthy during the placement
- Take particular care with personal hygiene while on placement
- Follow any COVID-19 requirements that are in place by the placement setting.
Declaring a medical condition
Teacher Candidates should take responsibility for their health and well-being and declare any illness that may affect their placement.
We strongly encourage candidates to complete the University's Medical Questionnaire (available as a form in the Sonia portal) for off-campus activities, should they have any medical condition that may impact their placement. It has been designed to assist in the event of an accident or emergency. Please submit this form at least one week before placement commences.
To have a physical or medical condition factored into the placement allocation process, please register for an Academic Adjustment Plan and advise the Professional Experience team when this has been granted.
What is the medical questionnaire?
The Medical questionnaire for off-campus activities is to inform the University of any physical or medical conditions, which may affect students' comfort or safety, or the safety of others during travel and/or an off-campus activity. This information is designed to assist in the event of an accident or emergency. Students can view further information about fieldwork and travel safety.
Placement setting OH&S induction
Teacher Candidates should ensure that they are informed by their placement setting of:
- Occupational health and safety procedures in the setting and on relevant excursions and camps
- Accident, first aid and emergency procedures (include Code Black) and responsible personnel
- Policies relating to allergies and anaphylactic shock
- Staff and student duty of care, welfare, and discipline policies
- Privacy legislation requirements
- Professional expectations of pre-service teachers
- Policies regarding daily arrival and departure, leaving the school/centre during working hours and authorised access outside normal working hours.
Teacher Candidates should actively seek this information if it is not provided.
In the event of a medical emergency, Teacher Candidates should offer emergency first aid commensurate with their first aid qualifications and experience and/or contact an ambulance or medical assistance immediately.
All occupational health and safety incidents in which Teacher Candidates are involved should be reported to the placement setting and the university.
Insurance cover
Teacher Candidates are covered by the University's Personal Accident, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policies whilst they are participating in and travelling directly to or from authorised practicums. Teacher Candidates who are not officially enrolled in a practicum subject are not covered by the University’s policy. They are not covered if they volunteer to work at a school/centre outside of their practicum and its specific requirements. For further information, please see the University's insurance website.
Teacher Candidates are not eligible for Workcover because they are not employees of the University of the placement setting in which they are placed.