BELA Act Policy

1. Our Status

Online Academy Mall is a technology platform and marketplace that connects families with independent teachers for tutoring, homework support and academic support. We are not a public or independent school and we do not register learners for home education.

2. Compulsory Schooling

Under the BELA Act, school attendance is compulsory from Grade R until the last school day of the year in which a learner turns 15 or completes Grade 9, whichever comes first. Parents remain responsible for ensuring their children meet this obligation, either through school attendance or registered home education.

3. Home Education Registration — Parent Responsibility

• Parents who choose home education must apply to the Head of Department of their provincial education department to register their child.
• Parents must meet the requirements set by the department, including an educational programme and assessment of the learner’s progress.
• Using Online Academy Mall services does not replace or satisfy the legal home education registration requirement.
• Parents should keep records of learning activities, which may be supported by lesson history available on the platform.

4. How Our Services Support Families

• Supplementary tutoring and homework support for learners attending school.
• Academic support for learners in registered home education programmes.
• Access to independent teachers, including SACE-registered teachers where indicated on their profile.
• Resources and learning materials through our marketplace.

5. Curriculum & Assessment

Teachers on the platform may support CAPS, international or other curricula. Formal assessment, promotion and certification remain the responsibility of the registered school, examination body or provincial department — not Online Academy Mall.

6. Learner Safety & Conduct

In line with the child protection principles reinforced by the BELA Act, corporal punishment and any form of abuse are strictly prohibited. Teachers must follow our Child Safety policy, and any concern can be reported to [email protected].

7. Language & Inclusion

We encourage teachers to offer lessons in a range of languages and to accommodate learners with diverse needs, supporting the inclusive education principles of the Act.

8. Disclaimer

This policy is provided for general information only and is not legal advice. Parents should consult their provincial education department for official guidance on home education registration and compliance.