Enrolment process

We are a School for Specific Purpose (SSP). We provide specialised support for students with complex and challenging behaviours. Learn more about Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs).

Enrolment into an SSP is different from other public schools. It involves a referral and placement process. If you believe an SSP may be the right setting for your child, your local school is the first place to start. They will work with you to understand your child’s needs and help you explore the right support options available.

1. Find your local school: you can use School Finder to locate your local public school.
2. Discuss support pathways: talk to your local school about available support pathways for your child.

Enrolment in an SSP is considered when:

• your child has significant and ongoing support needs
• they meet the department’s disability criteria
• this type of specialist support is the most appropriate.

For placement in an SSP, your child's current school must submit an application called an access request.

An Access Request is usually arranged by the school learning and support team at the local public school, but can also be organised through the local Educational Services team if a child is not yet enrolled. Local teams can be contacted on 131 536 and calls can be made from anywhere in NSW. This is done in consultation with the family. A local placement panel then reviews the application and makes a recommendation.

A student's eligibility is determined through the department's disability criteria as well as the availability of a place in an appropriate special class.

Learn more about access requests.

Period of enrolment

A special school reviews the placement of each student annually. Reviews consider all aspects of a student's personalised learning and support, including whether or not the current placement is best meeting their learning and support needs.

Enrolment into the school is seen as a short-term (6-18 months) strength-based intervention with a student-centered focus towards transitioning back to their local school wherever possible or on to alternate educational or vocational pathways.

Talk to us

If your child is already enrolled at our school, or you’ve been recommended for a placement with us, we are here to support your transition. Contact us if you have questions about our programs, orientation process or how we work with families.