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.

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 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.

Mirrungmatta

Mirrungmatta means our place of belonging in the Darug language.

Dawson Public School's support unit, Mirrungmatta, comprises of two classes (three in 2026) that support the educational needs of students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Each class is catered for by a classroom teacher and a school learning support officer (SLSO).

Each student in Mirrungmatta is provided with individualised educational programs which aim to stimulate, challenge and inspire students. All programs aim to encourage critical and creative thinking skills while catering for individual needs in a safe and caring environment.

Dawson Public School aims to provide integration with mainstream students in classrooms and on the playground. Mirrungmatta students are invited to participate in all whole-school and grade activities, both in school and outside of school.

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