Additional learning support

At our school, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments  that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Learning and support team (LST)

Every school has a learning and support team. The LST collect data and provide recommendations for students who need adjustments to access the curriculum and meet their educational goals. They play a key role in meeting the specific needs of students with disability and additional learning and support needs are met.

The composition of teams may vary from school to school, as their members are selected based on the needs of the school and community in which they work.

Our learning and support team helps make sure every student gets the help they need at the right time. The team works with families, teachers and support staff to:

• understand each student’s needs
• plan adjustments and supports
• monitor progress
• connect with other services if needed.

Our learning and support team may include:

• learning and support teachers - provides direct, specialist assistance to students in mainstream classes with disability and additional learning and support needs, as well as to their teachers.
• school learning support officers - SLSOs, otherwise known as teacher’s aides, work under the direction and supervision of your child’s classroom teacher.
• school counsellors - help students who are having difficulties at school or home. They can also help families to access services outside school if needed. School counsellors are qualified teachers who have a degree in psychology and post graduate qualifications in school counselling.
• school psychologists - also help students who are having difficulties at school or home. They can also help families to access services outside school if needed. School counsellors hold qualifications in psychology.
• itinerant teachers for vision or hearing - work with students who have a confirmed sensory disability prior to school and in NSW public schools. They may visit your child at specific times throughout the week, and may work in partnership with your child’s class teacher.
• English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers - provide targeted English language instruction to help students develop their literacy and English language skills. They support students in a number of subject areas across the curriculum. They also support teachers in developing learning programs and teaching practices suited to EAL/D students.
• Aboriginal education officers - provide assistance to teachers, Aboriginal students and their families to support improved learning, welfare and well-being outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us