Our support class
Our Support Class at Cowan Public School offers a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for students with additional needs. With small classes of up to around seven students, we can provide highly personalised programs that foster both academic and social development. Each class is supported by a dedicated teacher and a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO), ensuring every child receives the focused attention and guidance they need to succeed.
Access and placement
Students are placed in a Support Class through the Department of Education’s Access Request process. Families/carers cannot apply directly, but your local school can guide you through the steps. Eligibility is based on significant learning or support needs, and applications are reviewed by a local placement panel. This ensures that support classes are offered to students who will benefit most, based on their individual needs and the Department’s disability criteria.
Who the support class is for
Classes for students who have similar moderate to high support needs in regular or special schools. Students may have one or more disability type. These may include autism, emotional disturbance, moderate to severe intellectual disability or physical disability.
At Cowan Public School we have a multi-categorical class. A multi-categorical class is a support class that combines students with diverse learning needs and multiple types of disabilities, such as autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, or physical disability. These classes provide specialised, individual support to help students who have similar support needs, but may have different diagnoses. The curriculum is often adapted to meet the needs of all students, with tailored programs and a focus on creating a supportive and structured learning environment.
Programs and approach
Every student has a Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLSP) created in collaboration with families/carers and when relevant, allied health professionals. Our teaching approach is flexible and individualised, built around each child’s strengths, needs and goals. We provide curriculum and classroom adjustments to support learning, while encouraging students to build independence, communication and social skills alongside their academic progress.
Integration and inclusion
Students in the Support Class are valued and active members of the Cowan Public School community. Whenever appropriate, they participate alongside their peers in mainstream classes, sporting activities, assemblies and whole-school events. This inclusive approach supports the development of friendships, social skills and a strong sense of belonging, while ensuring students continue to benefit from a smaller, supportive learning environment.
Wellbeing and home partnership
At Cowan Public School, we recognise that student wellbeing and learning are deeply connected. Our staff prioritise strong partnerships with families/carers, working together to ensure every child feels confident, supported and understood both at school and at home. Through regular communication, collaborative planning meetings and when needed, consultation with external specialists, we are able to create a cohesive and personalised support network around each student. We are committed to empowering families as active and informed partners in their child’s educational journey, valuing their insights and celebrating progress together.