The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) works in close collaboration with school communities and is committed to the implementation of inclusive practices which recognise the child at the centre of decision making processes. Services and support are provided to build the capacity of all schools and staff to deliver inclusive, high quality educational programs for students with disabilities and additional needs.
The CSO acknowledges the diverse and sometimes complex learning needs of students in our schools and provides access to a range of consultative and direct services to support students. Additional support, through consultancy and professional learning, is available for school communities through the Student Support Unit (SSU), based at the Catholic Schools Office. The SSU provides support for students with additional learning, behaviour, social and emotional needs across a range of areas including:
- Learning difficulties
- Developmental disabilities including autism
- Positive behaviour support
- Speech and language
- Assessment and counselling
Schools work collaboratively with families and are able to access the SSU for assistance with assessment and student learning programs, as well as assistance in devising and implementing Individual Plans (IP). There is strong recognition of the complex needs of some students and the corresponding need to support schools to build teacher capacity to effectively support students with additional needs.