Support Unit
We are proud to have purpose-built Support Unit classes that provide specialised care and learning for students who need extra support. Each class offers a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow and thrive at their own pace. Our dedicated teachers and support staff work closely with families to understand each student’s individual needs and help them achieve their personal learning goals.
What are Support Classes?
Support classes provide specialised teaching and extra support for students who have additional learning needs. This may include students with a diagnosed disability, autism, mental health condition, sensory processing challenges or behaviour needs. These classes are available in selected NSW public schools, including ours, and offer a caring, structured environment that helps every student succeed.
Class Sizes
Support classes have smaller class sizes than mainstream classes to make sure each student receives the attention and support they need. The number of students in each class depends on the type of class and the individual learning needs of the students.
Teaching Staff
Each support class has a dedicated teacher and a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) who work together to meet every student’s individual needs. Every child has a personalised learning plan that focuses on their strengths, goals and areas for growth. Teachers work closely with parents, carers and, when needed, allied health professionals to ensure each student receives the right support to thrive at school.
Opportunities
Students in our Support Unit are an important part of our whole-school community and take part in many of the same opportunities as their peers. They have access to:
- Whole-school events such as assemblies, excursions, incursions and sport.
- Learning activities with their mainstream peers, where appropriate.
- The same specialist supports available to all students, including disability provisions from NESA to assist during exams.
- Transport assistance through the Assisted School Travel Program, if eligible.
- Additional help from Itinerant Support Teachers for hearing or vision, if required.
How can my child be placed in a support class?
You can’t enrol your child directly into a support class, but our school can guide you through the process. The first step is to speak with us.
Our school will work with you to see if a support class is the right fit for your child. This is usually considered when:
- Your child has significant learning or support needs and meets the Department of Education’s disability criteria
- Specialist support in a support class will help meet your child’s educational needs
- An application is completed with your involvement, usually with help from the school’s Learning and Support team
A local support class panel reviews the application and makes a decision. This application process is called an ‘access request’.
What is an Access Request and when might your child need one?