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.

NSW public schools are well prepared to support students with disability and additional learning and support needs and staff are ready to answer your questions.

Visit our  Inclusive learning support hub  for more information on:

• children starting school with additional needs
• support and adjustments available
• personalised learning and development.

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 (Please title the email "Attention: Learning and Support Team).

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 includes:

• learning and support teachers
• school learning support officers
• school counsellors
• school psychologists

• student support officers
• English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
• Deputy Principal and Principal
• Head Teacher Wellbeing.

Contact us (Please title the email "Attention: Learning and Support Team" to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School  Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year.

The NCCD is a collection that counts:

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability

• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Please see this fact sheet for more information.

Support Unit

The Support Unit at Wadalba Community School delivers quality teaching and learning to students with diagnosed disabilities from Kindergarten to Year 12. It currently consists of eight classes; six secondary classes - (five multi-categorical and an IO/IS) and two infant/primary classes - (multi-categorical).

The faculty strives to work in partnership with parents, carers, external providers, the Learning and Support Team, and the Team Around the School to develop unique and relevant Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for all students. Our program focuses on inclusive education, allowing each student to meet their potential in their own way. Students have full access to all school facilities and are supported to undertake courses in mainstream as appropriate. There is a strong focus on building capacity, lifelong skills and having a strong and practical transition plan for all students.

Students are placed in the Support Unit by the Department of Education. If you have any questions about the process you can contact Samantha Martin, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support.

Have a question about learning support?

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

Contact us (Please title the email "Attention: Learning and Support Team)