Education Support

Evidence  

Parent needs and preferences for support during their very prematurely born child’s transition to school 

Alina Morawska, Rebecca Armstrong, Cathy McBryde, Amy E. Mitchell, Evren Etel, Tomomi McAuliffe and Leanne M. Johnston 

Abstract: Entry into the formal school environment is a crucial time point at which needs for additional support for children born VP are often identified, with up to a third requiring special educational support (MacKay et al. Citation2010). Schools present new challenges for all children in multiple areas, including requirements for a higher level of independence, expectations for well-established emotion regulation, the need to follow increasingly structured routines and the requirement to pay attention for longer periods of time (Fane et al. Citation2016). Children born VP are at significantly higher risk for difficulties in the school environment. 

Education 

Helping your child learn, belong and thrive 

Every child learns in their own way. If your child was born premature or sick, they may still have health or developmental needs as they grow. 

Good communication between you, your child’s school, allied health professionals and healthcare team help your child get the support they need. 

What support is available? 

There are many different individual plans, they are often grouped as Documented Plans (e.g. Individualised learning plan, Student Health Care Plan, Attendance Plan, Behaviour Plan etc.) These plans are developed with parents/carers, teachers and often allied health or medical staff. They are important for children who have developmental delays, medical needs or learning differences. These plans should be a working document, reviewed regularly and used to co-ordinate supports across hospital, home and school. 

What a plan typically includes: 

• Learning goals for the term/year. 

• Teaching adjustments (e.g., modified tasks, extra processing time). 

• Health-related adjustments (rest breaks, medication timing). 

• Who will provide support (class teacher, EA/TA, hospital teacher).

• Review dates and progress notes

In-class support (Additional school resources)- Schools may be able to apply for funding support for children with different learning and health needs. If approved, this funding is used to provide the right support for your child, based on their goals and what helps them learn best. 

Support in the classroom can look different for every child. It might include adjusted teaching, small group work, extra time with the teacher, or help from an Education Assistant (EA), also known as a Teaching Assistant (TA), School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) who can be a valuable part of the team, especially when they work closely with the classroom teacher. Together, they help children take part in learning, building skills and feeling included. 

It’s important to know that support is not just one thing or one person. The best support helps your child grow in confidence and independence over time, while staying connected with their peers and classroom learning. Schools will work with families and where needed, other professionals to decide how to use resources in a way that best supports your child’s needs, learning and wellbeing. 

Education Support Centres / Units (integrated into mainstream schools): These provide specialist programs and therapeutic supports within a larger school community. They aim to include students in mainstream activities where possible while providing tailored curriculum and small-group teaching.  

Specialised learning programs within a mainstream school: Some schools run dedicated programs for students with learning, health or behavioural needs while remaining connected to the broader school. 

Specialist standalone education support schools: These schools provide a fully tailored environment for students with complex disability or support needs. They offer individual learning programs, involve therapy providers, more staff to support students and planning for high school and post school transitions into training/employment. 

Funding and the NDIS 

Schools may receive funding to support children with different learning needs. This funding is used to make sure your child can take part in learning and school life. Support may include adjusted teaching, extra help in the classroom, or other resources based on your child’s needs. It is the school’s responsibility to provide the support needed for your child to learn. 

The NDIS funds support that relates to your child’s disability across all parts of their life—not just at school. This might include therapy, equipment, or help that your child needs at home, in the community and throughout the day. 

In most cases, supports needed for learning at school are provided by the school. If your child has more complex or ongoing care needs that are required across all settings, there may be times where NDIS-funded supports are involved during the school day. 

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask questions. Talk with your school and your NDIS planner about how supports will work together to best meet your child’s needs. 

Empowerment  

You play an important role in your child’s learning. One of the best things you can do is work together with the people who support your child. If your child is in hospital, you can ask staff to connect you with the hospital-school teacher. It also helps to let your child’s regular school know what is happening as soon as possible, so everyone can work together. 

Keeping important documents in one place can make things easier. Many parents use a folder to store medical letters, therapy reports and school notes. This makes it simple to share information with teachers, therapists or the NDIS when needed. 

You can also ask the school for a planning meeting at any time. This is your chance to talk about what your child needs at school and write these supports into their plan.  

Useful Links 

NSW Education 

https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/inclusive-learning-support/primary-school/how-your-child-can-be-supported-in-primary-school 

Developmental Disability WA 

https://ddwa.org.au/what-additional-support-is-available-at-your-local-school/ 

Miracle Babies Foundation 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/early-intervention/gn5ohk 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/follow-up-care/goc3hs 

Need support? NurtureConnect allows you to connect with our NurtureProgram support team, or call our 24 hour NurtureLine 1300 622 243 or join our Facebook community.

NurtureConnect