Learning Assistants play an important role in education support for students with specifically identified additional needs. Students may need assistance in a number of areas including but not limited to curriculum, organisation, social competence and appropriate behaviour.

The classroom teacher is responsible for all students in their class, Learning Assistants provide additional support, catering for the needs of students under close supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.

The level of supervision required will vary, some LAs will assist teachers in the classroom, while others will withdraw students from the room to provide assistance on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. At Christway College, our prep classes have a Learning Assistant assigned to them for most lessons. Other classes are assigned an LA based on need.

Individual Learning Plans (ILP) assist students who require a range of supports with their education. An ILP is a written statement that describes the adjustments, goals and strategies to meet a student’s individual educational needs so they can reach their full potential.

At Christway College, students are placed on an ILP and provided with specific learning goals when they demonstrate an achievement that is six months or more, below that of their peers. This may be for any learning area, personal and social capability or both. ILPs are completed in consultation with teachers, parents and student (where relevant) and include an entry level skills, and SMART goals.

We are very proactive in this space, choosing to work closely with students who are six months behind, rather than allowing large learning gaps to appear before intervening.

A student support group helps students with disability or additional needs get the right support at school. SSG meeting are held each term with the class teacher, parent, student and a College leader.

The aims of the Student Support Group are to:

• ensure that those with the most knowledge of, and responsibility for the student, work together to establish shared goals for the student’s education
• plan reasonable adjustments for the student to access the curriculum and participate in their education
• provide educational planning that is ongoing throughout the student’s school life
• monitor the progress of the student.

Students can attend student support group meetings, but there may be times when this is not appropriate. Even if they do not attend, student’s preferences are considered when the group makes decisions.

The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with a disability. The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school. The Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC) has determined that teachers must provide 10 weeks of data on students with disability. As part of this process teachers make professional judgements on levels of student disability based on the type and frequency of educational adjustments that need to be made lesson. Based on this report, appropriate funding is allocated to schools to support students with special needs.