Our support unit
Our purpose-built Support Unit provides specialist and intensive support for students with additional learning and support needs. The Support Unit was established to ensure eligible students can access learning tailored to their individual strengths, needs and goals while being part of our whole-school community. Our school has 5 support unit classes providing support for students with Autism, Intellectual disabilities, sensory processing difficulties, speech and communication limitations and complex behavioural needs.
What are support classes
Support classes are specialised classes available in select public schools that provide intensive, targeted teaching for students with diagnosed additional needs. The are designed for students with a diagnosed intellectual or physical disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, significant mental health needs, sensory processing differences or behaviour support needs.
Support classs are offered alongside mainstream schooling so students can remain connected to school-wide activities and peers where appropriate. The curriculum in support classes are adapted and individualised to support learning outcomes and life skills.
Class sizes in the support classes are smaller than mainstream classes to allow intensive, personalised teaching and therapeutic support. The exact size of each class depends on the type of class and the individual needs of students.
Each suppoort class has a qualified teacher and at least one School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) who provide classroom support and assist with teaching and learning programs. Our staff work closely with families and allied health professionals to plan and deliver personalised learning and support.
How we support students
Students in our support unit learn through:
- small group and one-on-one teaching
- lessons matched to their goals and abilities
- specialist staff and resources
- programs that build social and emotional skills
Each student has a Personalised Learning andSupport Plan (PLaSP) that are developed in collaboration with families and, where appropriate, allied health professions. PLaSPs help students them:
- grow their literacy, numeracy and communication skills
- make friends and work well with others
- become more independent and confident
- manage emotions and behaviour
Our highly differentiated lessons, support and learning plans give students regular check-ins, clear communication with families and close tracking of their strengths and areas for improvement. These plans improve engagement, support stronger learning outcomes and guide smooth transitions through school and beyond.
Opportunities and inclusion
Students in our Support Unit are valued members of the Auburn Public School community and have access to many of the same opportunities as their mainstream peers. Students:
- participate in school-wide events: assemblies, excursions, incursions and sport.
- have access to selected mainstream classes and peers for appropriate learning activities.
- are support with transitions to the next stage of schooling and community programs.
- are provided with eligibility-based access to specialist provisions for assessments and exams, and to itinerant teachers for hearing or vision support where needed.
How students access our support unit
Placement in our support unit follows an access request process. This helps us understand each student’s needs and plan the right support. The process usually includes:
- Meeting with our learning support team to talk about your child’s needs
- Providing documents or assessments
- Review and recommendation by a specialist panel
- Creating an individual education plan (IEP) for your child
You can contact our school anytime to ask about our support options and how the process works.
How we work with families and specialists
We work closely with families and specialists to support every student. Our teachers stay in touch with parents and carers to share progress and plan next steps.
We also work with therapists, counsellors and health professionals so students get the same support across school and home.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to get started accessing support?
If you think your child could benefit from our support unit, please contact our school office or learning support team.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Opportunities and inclusion