Additional learning support

At Double Bay Public School, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Personalised Learning and Support Plans

Personalised Learning and Support Plans (PLSPs) support a wide range of students with additional learning and support needs. Personalised learning and support plans include:

• Assessed individual education needs of the student

• The provision of adjustments or support to meet the students’ assessed needs

• Monitoring and review of the impact of the adjustment/support being provided

• Consultation and collaboration of teachers with parents, support staff and other professionals where required.

  Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Learning and support team

At Double Bay Public School, our Learning and Support Team is dedicated to meeting the needs of every student. The team coordinates the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs designed to ensure all students receive the right level of support, whether universal, targeted or intensive.

Our Learning and Support Team works closely with students, families, teachers, support staff and external agencies to:

• understand each student’s individual learning needs
• plan appropriate adjustments and supports
• monitor progress and achievement
• connect with other services when required.

The team plays a vital role in ensuring every student is supported to learn, grow and thrive.

Our Learning and Support Team may include:

• principal
• learning and support teachers
• school counsellor or psychologist
• itinerant teachers (for vision or hearing)
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) teacher
• community liaison and home school liaison officers.
• Aboriginal education officers

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Learning and Support Referral Process

1. Parents with concerns for their child/children should talk to the class teacher first. Teachers will then plan adjustments and supports and monitor student progress.
2. After initial discussions and supports teachers will refer any concerns to the Assistant Principal.
3. In an emergency or situations or where it is not appropriate to talk to the class teacher or Assistant Principal, please contact the office or senior executive. The principal can also support you in regard to your child once other avenues have been contacted.
4. If teachers/parents have ongoing concerns about a child, a referral may be submitted to the Learning Support Team. The team will then decide on the most beneficial path for the child based on their individual needs.

Support Staff

At Double Bay Public School our dedicated support team work closely with students, teachers, and families to ensure every child can thrive. They provide wellbeing, learning, and classroom support to help students achieve their best.

Our wellbeing and support staff

• Psychologists/Counsellor: Our school psychologists and are available for student support and assessment. Referrals can be made by parents, teachers or students by contacting the school office.
• Learning Support Teachers: Our Learning and Support teachers provide intervention and support for students experiencing difficulties in Literacy and Numeracy. The Learning Support program involves small group educational programs and parents are informed before inclusion of their child in one of these programs.
• SLSOs: School Learning Support Officers work under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher. They provide assistance to students with disabilities and additional learning and support needs. They can provide assistance with school routines, class activities and support of students.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us