As part of our Wellbeing and Engagement focus our staff ensure that both neurodivergent and neurotypical students are catered for. Our students are supported through the development of self-regulation, PERMA+ wellbeing and resilience skills development, access to sensory tools, incorporating quiet spaces, break times, differentiation, and a strength-based approach.

How are students supported at Pooraka Primary School?

Wave 1 (for all learners: whole class instruction)

• Educators use assessment data to support the learning program
• Educators use diagnostic screening to understand and monitor students’ growth and progress
• Educators align teaching and learning to the Australian Curriculum and evidence informed pedagogy and practices.

Wave 2 (for some learners:  small group instruction)

• Teachers and support staff work regularly with students to meet specific learning objectives taken from the curriculum
• Educators support students in a small group as part of regular classroom activities

Wave 3 (for a few learners: intensive 1:1, or 1:2 instruction)

• We use evidence-based intensive, personalised, frequent, sequential, and specialised assessment and instruction
• We provide regular and intensive sessions for identified students
• Educators set specific goals that are monitored and documented
• Teachers and leaders seek advice and support beyond the school to develop an individual learning plan and possibly an alternative program.

If families have concerns about their child’s development, progress, social interactions, or behaviour there are several avenues that can be explored including:

• Department for Education Student Support Services including Inclusive Educators, Behaviour Coaches, Speech Pathologists and Social Workers.
• External Support Services including : GP, Psychologist, Child Development Unit, CAMHS, Autism SA, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Adelaide Hearing Services, NDIS.

Sometimes the teacher might identify that a student requires further support in one or more areas. Teachers will make a time to have a conversation with caregivers and discuss the possibility of seeking additional advice and support from Student Support Services or external agencies.

Teachers use a range of methods to collect data and information on your child’s progress. These include, but not limited to:

• NAPLAN
• PAT M and PAT R
• Year 1 Phonics screening test
• Year 2 Oral reading fluency
• DIBELS – reading assessments
• LEAP levels
• Observations
• Wellbeing surveys: Wellbeing and Engagement (WEC) / Student Wellbeing Action Teams

One Plans

Under the Disability Standards for Education, all children and students with a disability are entitled to a personalised learning approach. This approach involves consultation, identification of needs, the provision of reasonable adjustments and regular monitoring and review, and should be negotiated, documented, and agreed.

The One Plan records:

• background information on the child or student
• the child or student’s strengths, interests, motivations, and aspirations
• services provided by agencies
• the child or student’s learning priorities aligned with the curriculum
• aims, goals and adjustments planned to support the child or student
• endorsement and agreed actions

Autism Inclusion Role

In 2023 every Public Primary school in South Australia was appointed an Autism Inclusion Teacher. This role provides support to fellow educators looking at the best ways to support and educate students with autism.

 External (Private) Service Provision

If you are seeking your child to have an external service provider provide sessions during school hours at Pooraka Primary School, we can generally accommodate this. Please speak to a member of the leadership team.