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.

"Kirrawee" Support Class Program

Our Kirrawee Program currently offers three support classes that provide specialised learning environments for students with a range of learning needs and multi-category disabilities. Each class is supported by a specialist teacher and a school learning support officer (SLSO), ensuring every student feels supported, encouraged, and valued in their learning journey.

Class sizes are thoughtfully designed to reflect individual needs, allowing for personalised programs that focus on each student’s strengths, growth, and success. Our goal is to empower every learner to achieve their full potential within a caring and supportive school community.

Parents should meet with their local school first to discuss their child's needs and see if they are eligible for a specialist support class such as Kirrawee or a school for specific purposes (SSP). This option is available when:

• The child has significant support needs and meets the department's disability criteria.

• Specialist support will meet their educational needs.

  The school will then complete an Access Request which is assessed by a panel to determine placement. Placement may be at your local school or a school in your area depending on vacancies.

Parents can find more information about this process at this website.

To find out if your child is suited to our Kirrawee Program, please contact us.

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 at Baulkham Hills North 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.

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