Early childhood
Our schools support every child to learn, engage and participate at every stage of their education
For some children starting school, their disability or additional learning and support needs have been clearly identified from early childhood.
For other children, the need for extra support may not become clear until some way into their schooling.
Support for students
NSW public schools support all students with disability and additional learning and support needs by providing personalised learning and support matched to their individual circumstances and needs.
Support for all students in NSW public schools is available as early as the preschool years, through to the end of high school, with help for students embarking on adult life.
Some students with confirmed disability, recognised according to the Department's disability criteria, may be eligible for targeted specialist support. This includes:
- the Integration Funding Support program in a mainstream class
- placement in a specialist support class in a mainstream school or a School for Specific Purposes
- support from an itinerant support teacher.
Our schools work closely with individual students and their parents or carers to ensure they get the most out of school life.
Early intervention and kindergarten specialist support services for students with disability - additional access request information (Word 959KB)
Early Childhood Education
The Department, through the Early Childhood Education Directorate, administers several programs and funding streams designed to meet the goals of the National Partnership Agreements on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education and the National Quality Agenda.
Enrolling in a NSW public school
Parents or carers can contact their local public school or local Educational Services teams for enrolment advice. Local teams can be contacted on 131 536 and calls can be made from anywhere in NSW.