Students identified with a disability or significant learning needs are required to be enrolled through a supported enrolment process. This is to ensure that the school is best placed to meet the student’s needs. This process will also include a member of our Learning Support Team.
When teachers become aware of children with learning difficulties, they bring this to the attention of the Principal and the Learning Support Team. Appropriate referral forms are then completed. Appropriate intervention is provided in accordance with the school’s capacity to resource. Our Learning Support Team is comprised of three Learning Support Teachers and an Indigenous Liaison Officer. This team are available for consultation by appointment.
Early Intervention
The school recognises the importance of the early learning years. Research repeatedly indicates that the earlier learning difficulties are identified, the more effective intervention strategies are. Preventative and remedial programs are given priority including:
- Whole School Assessment – identification of phonemic awareness, mathematical concepts and reading comprehension
- 1:1 and small group support in phonological awareness, mathematical concepts, reading comprehension
- 1:1 and small group literacy development
- 1:1 and small group support in delivery of speech/language programs, and
- 1:1 and small group support for oral language development of students learning English as a second language.
Differentiation
The Learning Support Teachers work closely with class teachers to modify teaching and learning strategies to enable success for students in the classroom. This includes:
- 1:1 support for specific skill development
- programs targeted to student needs
- modifications to the student’s class program
- in-class support for students to pursue individually modified programs
- withdrawal programs for small groups of students with similar learning needs, and
- 1:1 support for the development of speech and language programs
Access to Support
Students access support after a thorough process of assessment. This incorporates a combination of:
- school based assessments
- teacher referral
- specialist assessments ie. speech/language pathologist, educational psychologist, occupational therapist
- specialist referral, and
- information from benchmark testing
