Learning Enrichment
Students with Additional Needs
Students with disabilities may be enrolled at St James Primary and may receive assistance through a range of options including:
- Access to school-based Additional Needs Teachers.
- Access to Catholic Schools Office Additional Needs Officers.
- Teacher Assistant support.
Depending on needs and abilities some students may work on the Australian Curriculum in NSW with nil or minor adjustments, or some students may require substantive adjustments and modified curriculum. Students spend the majority or the whole of their time in regular classes with varying levels of support.
Enrolment of Students with Additional Needs
Regardless of ability or disability, every student enrols at St James Primary in accordance with the school’s enrolment policy a
nd process aligned with diocesan guidelines.
Parents complete an application to enrol form at St James Primary and are requested to provide:
- Documentation verifying the student’s special needs/disability
- Support material from other agencies
- Current specialised program (if applicable).
- Acceptance of enrolment is subject to standard school enrolment criteria.
The Process
After an application for enrolment has been made, the Principal will invite the parents/legal guardian for an interview to discuss more fully the needs of the child and the educational provision available at the school.
Discussion with the parents and the Catholic Schools Office will occur wherever possible. If a place is available, parents will be contacted and a placement will be offered.
FAQ For Parents of a Student with Additional Needs
What resources are there in school to support my child?
There are many ways of supporting students with disabilities at St James Primary. If necessary, adjustments will be made through the curriculum, the classroom environment, teaching materials and the school environment. Professional development is available for staff. A school may receive a grant to support the students learning depending on their needs in accessing the curriculum.
How will the school be able to meet my child’s educational needs?
Including a student with a disability is a whole school responsibility not just that of the individual class teachers or additional needs teacher. Every student will be able to participate in all aspects of school with adjustments being made to the curriculum and the environment.
Relevant school staff will discuss your child’s educational needs with you and discuss any adjustments that may be needed to assist your child. The adjustments could be in relation to learning, or to facilities or services. Your child would also have a Personal Plan (PP). These plans are developed and implemented with parental input.
A child’s educational need can be met in schools by:
- The development of Personal Plans and Transition Plans.
- Adjustments being made to curriculum, environment and/or materials.
- Collaboration between agencies working with the student.
- Accessing existing support within the school.
- Allocating resources required, specialised equipment, teaching assistants etcetera.
How will the school be able to meet my child’s educational needs?
Your child’s educational needs will be met through the Australian Curriculum in NSW and the student’s PP. The PP may focus on aspects of school outside of the Australian Curriculum in NSW; for example, in career education, work skills, leisure and recreation and independent living.
What help is available from external agencies?
Where appropriate, access to a therapy service to provide advice on adjustments is encouraged. Therapists may provide support to help ensure that your child receives the best access to the school curriculum.