Additional learning support

At our school, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We provide support for students with disability and additional learning needs so they can participate fully in all areas of school life. A formal diagnosis is not required for your child to receive help—support can begin at any stage of schooling. Our team works with families to identify individual needs early and put the right adjustments, strategies and learning supports in place to help every child grow, succeed and feel confident.

Support Classes at Sanctuary Point

Sanctuary Point Public School is proud to host seven specialist support classes that provide high-quality, individualised education for students with additional learning needs. Our classes include four Multi-Categorical (MC), one Intellectual Mild (IM), one Autism (AU), and one Autism/Moderate Intellectual Disability (AU/IO) class. Each class is led by a dedicated teacher and supported by a skilled School Learning Support Officer (SLSO), ensuring every student receives tailored and responsive support.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. Teachers work closely with families and allied health professionals to design and implement personalised learning and support plans that help each child thrive. Inclusion is a cornerstone of our school culture—students in support classes are fully involved in all aspects of school life, learning and playing alongside their peers in classrooms, on the playground, and during excursions, sporting events, and creative programs.

Our support unit provides unique opportunities to enhance student engagement and build independence through initiatives such as Passion Projects, which develop real-world skills in our onsite café, The Patch. Students also participate in activities including gardening, creative arts, photography, textiles, and design, as well as a year-round swimming program that promotes both wellbeing and skill development.

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

Our learning and support team helps make sure every student gets the help they need at the right time. The team works with families, teachers and support staff to:

• understand each student’s needs

• plan adjustments and supports

• monitor progress

• connect with other services if needed.

  

• 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.

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  Applying for Disability Support at Sanctuary Point Public School (SPPS)

  This guide has been written for families to clearly explain how to apply for specialist support or additional funding for students with disability. We understand this process can feel overwhelming, please know you are not expected to do this alone. Your child’s school is responsible for managing the process alongside you.

  The information below is divided into three short guides, depending on your child’s situation.

  GUIDE 1: Early Intervention & Kindergarten Enrolments

  (Children aged 3–5 years, including Kindergarten starters)

  Early Intervention and Kindergarten support is accessed through a process called an Access Request (AR). This is completed by the local public school on behalf of families.

  Step 1: Enrol or contact your local public school

  • Your local in‑area public school is responsible for starting this process.
  • This applies even if your child may attend a different school in the future.

  Step 2: Talk with the school about your child’s needs

  • Share information about your child’s strengths, needs and current supports.
  • This may include preschool reports, therapy letters or medical information.
  • You local school may also reach out directly to your preschool or other key contacts

  Step 3: The school completes the Access Request

  • The school gathers professional information and submits the AR.
  • Families do not complete the full application – the school manages this.
  • There is a parent section where your voice, priorities and insights are included.

  Step 4: Placement panel review

  • A Department of Education panel reviews all information.

  • The panel considers support options such as:

    • Early Intervention Support Class
    • Early Intervention Resource Support
    • Sensory supports (Hearing or Vision)

  Step 5: Outcome and next steps

  • The school will explain the outcome and support transition planning.
  • If your child is starting Kindergarten, and previously received Early Intervention support a new Access Request is required.

  Important to know: Decisions are made by a panel, but your local school remains responsible for supporting your child, regardless of the outcome.

  GUIDE 2: Existing SPPS Students (K–6)

  (Support Classes or Integration Funding Support – IFS)

  If your child is already enrolled at Sanctuary Point Public School, the process always begins with talking to the school.

  Step 1: Contact SPPS

  Please speak with:

  • Kalle Egan – Deputy Principal, Inclusion & Support
  • Katie McGlynn – Assistant Principal, Inclusion & Support

  We will guide you through every step.

  Step 2: School review and planning

  • Your child’s needs are discussed through the Learning and Support Team (LST).
  • The school ensures existing supports and adjustments have been implemented.

  Step 3: Access Request is prepared by the school

  • If additional support is required, the school prepares the Access Request.

  • This may be for:

    • Support Class placement, or
    • Integration Funding Support (IFS) for students in mainstream classes.

  • The School Counselling service will be in contact to gather relevant background information and diagnosis to develop a Disability Confirmation as a criteria for completing an AR

  • The Deputy Principal and Assistant Principal Support will liaise with you and relevant teaching staff to ensure the AR is reflective of your child’s needs

  • Families are asked to contribute to a parent section to share individualised information.

  Step 4: Panel consideration

  • The request is reviewed by a Department panel who inform families and the school of the outcome. This decision is made on the application and considered against a priority of need with other applicants submitted. Your local school has no control over this decision.

  Step 5: Outcome and ongoing support

  • The school explains the outcome clearly.
  • Regardless of the decision, SPPS remains responsible for supporting your child through reasonable adjustments, planning and wellbeing support.

  GUIDE 3: Students Transferring Between Schools (Support Classes)

  If your child is moving from one school to another, including between support classes:

  Key steps:

  1. Inform your current school of the planned transfer.
  2. The current school supports access to relevant documentation liaises with the Learning With Officer ( LWO) on potential vacancies in the new local area
  3. Where a vacancy exist within your new local area and your child meets criteria you will be guided by the LWO on transferring support class placements. If there is no vacancy your child will be supported in the mainstream setting
  4. Families are required to complete a new enrolment form for the receiving school.
  5. The process is managed between schools to ensure continuity of support.

  Reassurance for Families

  • You do not need to understand every technical detail.
  • You are not expected to complete applications alone.
  • Your child’s school is responsible for managing the process and advocating for your child.
  • Your voice matters, family insights are an important part of every application.

  If you are unsure where to start, please reach out. We are here to help and walk alongside you every step of the way.

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