WIL: Concerns
Professional Experience placements are a time of growth, but we understand that challenges can arise. We provide clear guidance for pre-service teachers and mentor teachers on how to manage and resolve concerns that may occur during placement.
Placement concerns procedures
Concerns during placement are typically related to the pre-service teacher's practice and are most often raised by the mentor teacher. However, pre-service teachers with concerns about their placement experience or progress can follow the same procedures and expect consistent support throughout.
In all cases, your first point of contact should be your allocated Professional Experience Supervisor, who will help assess the situation and provide guidance on the next steps.
Level 1: Notification of concern
When Level 1 concerns are identified, the mentor and/or pre-service teacher must notify the site coordinator and the allocated Professional Experience Supervisor. The Professional Experience Supervisor will facilitate documenting developmental goals within the Notice of Concern Agreement.
Level 2 and 3: Targeted support
A Targeted Support Plan is required if:
- A pre-service teacher is at risk of not meeting the required Australian Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers, or
- Level 1 concerns have persisted or escalated.
A successful outcome can often be achieved through collaborative planning, coaching conversations, and coordinated support involving the mentor, pre-service teacher, Professional Experience Supervisor, and Unit Coordinator.
If a mentor teacher identifies that a pre-service teacher may not meet the requirements of the placement, they must:
- Immediately contact the allocated Professional Experience Supervisor
- Implement a Targeted Support Plan, with assistance from the Professional Experience Supervisor
Level 4: Early cessation of placement
Early cessation is a serious step taken only after thorough consultation, typically as a last resort. It may occur when it becomes clear a placement cannot be successfully completed.
When a stakeholder identifies a likely unsuccessful placement, they must immediately inform the Professional Experience Supervisor, who will guide the process to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to CDU policies.
Always refer to the Placement Concerns Procedures before initiating cessation.
Student wellbeing
We understand that placements can be demanding. Your wellbeing matters.
CDU is committed to helping you stay happy, healthy, and on track to achieve your study goals throughout your placement.
Visit Current Students - Life, Health and Wellbeing
Complaints
We recognise that placement-related concerns, misunderstandings, or issues may arise from time to time. Our aim is to ensure that any concerns during your placement journey are managed fairly, transparently, and in a timely manner.
In the first instance, we encourage you to contact your Professional Experience Supervisor, who will provide support and help facilitate the resolution process.
We also have a dedicated Complaints team to help you navigate the process and ensure your concern is referred to the appropriate decision-maker. CDU takes complaints seriously and strives to foster an environment where students can learn and grow without being subjected to discrimination, harassment, or victimisation.