Mainstream classes

Our primary schools are well prepared to support students with disability and additional learning and support needs in mainstream classes.

Every mainstream school has a Learning and Support resources package (also known as low level adjustment for disability)that gives the school a specialist learning and support teacher who works directly in the school to support students and their teachers. Learning and support flexible funding in mainstream schools provides immediate support when required.

This means many students can be supported in mainstream classes without a confirmation of disability or the need for a formal application process or other paperwork outside the school.

Targeted or additional specialist support, however, does require a separate application process.

Classroom teachers provide adjustments for students' individual education needs and are supported by:

• learning and support teachers who provide specialist support for students and their classroom teachers
• flexible funding to provide additional staff in the classroom and to support professional learning for teachers
• Integration Funding Support that provides funding to support eligible students with confirmed disability following the Access Request process
• Itinerant support teachers (hearing or vision) support eligible students with hearing or vision impairment following the Access Request process.

Parents and carers can discuss their child's learning and support needs with their local school.

Support classes

Sometimes parents and carers, schools or support agencies suggest a child would benefit from enrolment in a support class in a mainstream school or a School for Specific Purposes (SSP).

These options are available when:

• a child meets the Department's disability criteria
• an Access Request is completed, and
• a placement panel considers and makes a recommendation that a placement is available in a specific type of support.

An Access Request is arranged by the school learning and support team at the local school.

Support at school

For some students with confirmed disability planning for school can begin in early childhood.

For other students, additional learning and support needs may emerge at primary school. Support planning can be initiated at any stage of a student's school life and any time during the school year.

Support at school is flexible and is carefully aligned to each child's individual education needs as they progress.

If a student attending a mainstream class needs additional support, the first step is to contact the school principal or school learning and support team.

Most students are supported at school without the need for a confirmation of disability. Students requiring targeted specialist support do need a confirmation of disability.