Mr Chris Tallentire MLA
DGL23/220
Committee Chair
Legislative Assembly of Western Australia
Parliament House, 4 Harvest Tce, West Perth WA 6000
Email: laehsc@parliament.wa.gov.au
Dear Mr Tallentire
I write in response to your email of 18 May 2023, to Mr Murat Dizdar, Secretary, Department of Education, regarding the inquiry into support for autistic children and young people in schools. The Secretary has asked me to respond on his behalf.
The NSW Government is committed to providing quality learning experiences for every student enrolled in a NSW public school, including students with autism, across a range of educational settings. Most students with autism in NSW public schools are supported in mainstream classes at their local school.
In June 2020, the NSW Government provided a submission (number 65) to the Senate Select Committee on Autism. It includes a section on how students with autism access educational support (page 9 and 10). Our approach to supporting students with autism, as outlined in our submission, remains current. In support of your inquiry, I have attached some updated information including links to information available on our website.
I have been informed by the chair of the Disability Directors interjurisdictional meeting, that the active participation, commitment, and contribution of our colleagues in Western Australia is much appreciated. This regular meeting provides a platform for continued collaboration and dialogue to discuss key issues relating to disability and improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
Yours sincerely
redacted
Leanne Nixon
A/Deputy Secretary
Learning Improvement
29 June 2023
NSW Department of Education submission
WA Education and Health Standing Committee\
Inquiry into support for autistic children and young people in schools
Professional development for staff to support students with autism
The NSW Department of Education offers a blended learning course, Understanding Autism, to school leaders and teachers to build confidence, knowledge and skills to support students with autism. Learning online and collegial sessions led by trained tutors, improve understanding of the impact of autism on student learning. Teachers learn about evidence-based strategies for students with autism and are supported to develop goals and interventions to meet identified student need.
The department also offers an online course about supporting students with autism for teaching assistants (in NSW – school learning support officers).
Report on increased rates of specific additional needs among students in NSW public schools
A report commissioned as part of the Disability Strategy investigated increased rates of specific additional needs among students in NSW public schools.
Prepared by the Department of Paediatrics at Monash University, the report Understanding increased enrolments of autism and mental health needs in NSW government schools examined potential reasons for a rise in the number of students receiving funding to support them with autism and mental health needs at school.
Website information
Specific information relating to autism
The New South Wales Department of Education Inclusive Practice Hub, includes information about evidence-based strategies, best practice tips, curriculum considerations and other considerations for teachers of students on the autism spectrum.
Professional Learning for teachers and school support staff – including online learning on Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
General information relating to disability
Our Disability Strategy
Inclusive Education Statement
Parent and Carer Hub – inclusive learning support
Personalised Learning and Support
Adjustments to teaching and learning
Information for Schools on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, including:
- Supporting families to understand and access the NDIS
- Supporting families during the NDIS planning process
- Supporting Aboriginal families to engage with the NDIS
- The NDIS and personalised learning and support in NSW public schools
- Introduction to the NDIS and its interface with schools