Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle work within a model of inclusive education which supports all students with disabilities and additional needs. The Catholic Schools Office is committed to providing opportunities for students to reach their potential. Our Learning Support framework ensures all students receive the support they need to successfully access and participate in education and achieve as learners.
Learning Support personnel and resources are provided to every school to assist in meeting the diverse needs of students. School staff consult with individual students, their parent/carers, and key stakeholders, to understand their needs, and to determine the adjustments required. Staff work collaboratively with families to develop and implement a Learner Profile for each student.
The Catholic Schools Office Student Support Unit (SSU) works with schools through a consultative model, providing advice and support in developing and delivering programs and intervention. Schools are provided with professional learning opportunities to build teacher capacity. Support is provided to schools by SSU team members on a systemic level, with services provided in the following areas:
- Behaviour support
- Mental health
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Developmental difficulties
- Learning difficulties
- Speech, language and communication
- Physical disabilities
- Hearing impairment
- Vision impairment
- Medical conditions
- Assessment and counselling
- Student Wellbeing
- Students with complex learning needs