Additional learning support

Every child learns differently, and at Birchgrove Public School we are committed to helping every student feel supported, included and able to participate fully in school life.

Some students may need additional support at different stages of their learning journey. This may be short-term or ongoing and can support learning, communication, social and emotional development, physical needs or access to the curriculum.

Students do not need a formal diagnosis to receive additional learning support in a mainstream classroom. Our focus is on understanding each child's individual strengths and needs and working together to help them thrive.

Supporting individual learning needs

Support at Birchgrove is tailored to the individual student. Teachers work closely with families, our Learning and Support Team and other specialists where appropriate to identify strengths, understand learning needs and plan adjustments that support participation and progress.

Depending on the needs of the student, support may include:

• adjustments to teaching, learning activities and assessment
• targeted literacy and numeracy support
• small-group or individual learning support
• support from School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs)
• assistive technology and specialised learning resources
• adjustments to the learning environment
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) support
• extension and enrichment for high potential and gifted students
• wellbeing, counselling or specialist support where appropriate.

Support and adjustments are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the student's needs.

Identifying when support may be needed

A student's learning or support needs may be identified in different ways. Teachers continually monitor student learning, engagement and wellbeing and may identify areas where additional support could be beneficial.

Support may also be considered when:

• assessment and learning progress indicate that additional support or extension may be helpful
• teachers observe changes in a student's learning, participation or wellbeing
• parents or carers share information or concerns about their child's learning or development
• information is provided by external specialists or other professionals.

Parents and carers are important partners in this process. Where additional support or adjustments are required, we work collaboratively with families to plan, review and adapt support as their child's needs change.

Our Learning and Support Team

Our Learning and Support Team works collaboratively with teachers, families and relevant support staff to help students access the support they need.

The team helps to:

• identify and understand individual learning and support needs
• plan appropriate adjustments and strategies
• coordinate additional support where required
• monitor student progress and review supports
• work with specialist staff and external services where appropriate.

Depending on a student's individual needs, support may involve classroom teachers, Learning and Support Teachers, School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs), school counselling staff and other specialist services.

Our goal is always the same — to help each student feel confident, included and supported to make progress in their learning.

Talk to us about your child

Parents and carers know their children best, and we value the information families share with us.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's learning, development, participation or support needs, we encourage you to speak with your child's teacher in the first instance. Together, we can discuss your child's strengths and needs and consider what support may be appropriate.

For further assistance, families can also contact our school office to connect with the appropriate member of our Learning and Support Team.

Contact us