Step One

Prior to meeting with a student and their parents or carers, distribute the relevant information to the student, their parents or carers, and any health or other professionals where appropriate, to develop an initial understanding of what strategies or adjustments may support a positive return to school for a specific student. Consider sharing the current personalised learning and support plan to help each person reflect on previous goals and strategies, and what may have changed.

Note: some students may prefer not to use a written template, or they may not use words to communicate. Offer alternative modes of response where appropriate, such as gestures, photos, drawings, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Step Two

Once you receive all responses, use the ‘Schools’ page in the template to create a shared understanding of the student, including any reflections from the learning and support team, teachers or other education professionals involved in supporting this student. Some components (for example, strategies) can be completed when meeting with students and their family, and documented in their personalised learning and support plan.