Additional learning support

At our 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.

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.

Our learning and support team may include:

• learning and support teachers
• school learning support officers
• school counsellors
• school psychologists

• student support officers
• itinerant teachers for vision or hearing
• English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
• Aboriginal education officers
• community and home school liaison 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.

Supported Learning

At Forster Public School, our Supported Learning Area provides a caring and welcoming place where students with disabilities can learn and grow.

Currently, we have;

· 2 Multi-Categorical (MC) support classes

· 1 Mild Intellectual (IM) support class

· 1 Moderate Intellectual/Autism class

· and 1 class for students with Moderate and Severe Intellectual needs.

In 2026, we will add two more classes;

· 1 Autism (AU) class

· and another Multi-Categorical class to support more students.

Placement in our support classes is determined through a Placement Panel that is external to the school, and your local schools can provide guidance and advice to families about the steps involved in this process.

Our support classes have a small number of students per teacher, so each student gets the help they need;

· We create personalised learning plans for every student, working closely with their families and health professionals to make sure these plans fit their individual needs

· We also work together with families and local groups to support students in all areas.

· We help students smoothly transition move from one stage of schooling to the next, so they can feel confident and independent.

· Our teachers and support staff regularly update their skills to use the best teaching methods to support students with an adjusted curriculum.

At Forster Public School we value and celebrate everyone’s differences and work hard to create a respectful and inclusive community where every student feels safe, valued, and included. We believe that with the right support and opportunities, every student can succeed and become a confident member of our school community.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