Additional learning support

At Riverwood Public School, we want every child to feel included, supported and ready to learn. Every student has their own strengths and learns in their own way. The type of support needed varies from child to child and may change over time. Some students with disability or additional learning needs may require more targeted support to take part fully in learning and school life. Support in a mainstream class does not require a formal diagnosis and can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

As a small school, we know our students well and take a whole-school approach to meeting their learning needs. Teachers, support staff and families work together to build on each child's strengths and respond to areas where they need additional help. In the classroom, this may include:

• extra guidance, adapted learning activities or a different focus during lessons

• School Learning Support Officers working alongside teachers and students

• changes to the classroom environment, including assistive technology and specialised learning resources

• assessment adjustments, such as more time, simpler language, breaks during tasks or different ways to demonstrate learning.

When students require more intensive assistance, they may also receive individual or small-group instruction, such as:

• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• literacy intervention programs, such as MiniLit and MacqLit
• small-group numeracy instruction with additional modelling, practice and repetition
• targeted oral language programs led by a speech pathologist.

Identifying learning needs

We use a range of information to identify students' learning needs, including classroom observations, assessment data and information shared by families. When students enrol at Riverwood Public School, we screen their literacy and numeracy skills to establish their starting points and inform teaching. Teachers regularly review assessment data to track student progress and determine appropriate next steps.

Learning and Support Team

Our Learning and Support Team brings together staff from across the school to coordinate additional learning support. The team works closely with families, teachers and support staff to:

• build a shared understanding of each student’s needs
• plan appropriate adjustments and interventions
• monitor and review student progress
• connect with specialist services when needed.

Have a question about learning support?

Contact us if you would like to talk to a member of the Learning and Support Team about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.