Key Priority Area
Creating supportive physical, social and policy environments makes it easier for students to be active before, during and after school.
A Supportive School Environment can increase participation, strengthen wellbeing and build lasting connections with sport, recreation and community opportunities using the spaces, relationships and structures your school already has.
A Supportive School Environment underpins all areas of the Active Schools Framework by creating the inclusive spaces, policies, partnerships and school culture that make movement easier and more accessible, including adaptable facilities, outdoor learning areas, accessible equipment, secure bike and scooter storage, community access to facilities and strong connections with local clubs and providers.
A supportive school environment helps make physical activity an easy and enjoyable part of every school day. Inclusive spaces, supportive policies and strong community partnerships encourage more students to be active, connected and engaged.
Research shows that well-designed school environments increase participation, support student wellbeing and foster lifelong healthy habits by creating opportunities for students to move, play and connect throughout the day.
Audit spaces, facilities and policies that support physical activity.
Activate existing spaces for play, learning and recreation.
Build partnerships to expand active opportunities at school and beyond.
Create school spaces, systems and routines that make physical activity accessible, welcoming and safe for every student.
This might include:
Develop a school environment that supports physical activity now and into the future.
This might include:
Real stories from Victorian schools
Primary School
Learn how strategic upgrades to school facilities, including a walking track, have created a supportive school environment where students can thrive, connect and grow.
Secondary School
See how senior prefects used student voice to shape meaningful funding decisions, build trust and responsibility, and strengthen relationships between students and staff.
Specialist School
See how Education Support staff lead a 30-minute movement program each morning, helping students feel energised, focused and ready to learn.
Find the right tools and support to help you create a supportive school environment.
Practical tools to help schools make better use of indoor and outdoor spaces to encourage movement, play and participation.
Featured resources:
Guidance to help schools remove barriers and create welcoming spaces where every student can participate.
Featured resources:
Resources to help schools build partnerships, share facilities and create more opportunities for students to be active.
Featured resources:
Guidance to help schools create active environments that are sustainable, climate resilient and designed for long-term use.
Featured resources:
Find the right tools and support to strengthen your school environment.
Audit your school environment
Plan your next improvement
Activate your spaces
Build a community partnership
Measure and track progress
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The Active Schools Toolkit has been developed for the Victorian Department of Education by Active Education Australia.
