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. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Enrolling in a Support Class: What you need to know

To enrol a student in a support class in NSW, contact your child's local zoned school to discuss their needs with the learning and support team. You can use the school finder tool to identify which school is assigned to your area. The school will assess if the student meets disability criteria, requires specialist support, and has this type of support to meet their needs, and then collaborate with parents to complete an application for the support class placement.

Steps for Enrolment

1. Contact you Local Zoned School:

Speak with your child's local zoned school about your child's significant support needs.

2. Work with the Learning and Support Team:

The school's learning and support team will help determine if your child is eligible for a support class and if this option is the most appropriate educational support for their needs.

3. Meet Eligibility Criteria:

Your child must meet the department's disability criteria to be eligible for a support class.

4. Complete an Application:

In collaboration with the school, an application for the support class placement will be completed. This will be reviewed at a DOE Panel and depending on the suitable vacancies a support class placement within Port Stephens will be offered. If no vacancies are available, the application will be deferred until the next panel and the school will contact you to discuss alternate options.

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

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
• school learning support officers
• school counsellor

• student support officers
• itinerant teachers for vision or hearing
• English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
• Aboriginal education officers
• community and home school liaison officers.

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