More Early Intervention Support To Assist Students

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today welcomed the NSW Government’s Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools package under a new approach in public schools which will see schools and teachers given more support in the classroom.

Mr Ward said that the Student Behaviour Strategy, Inclusive Education Policy, and Restrictive Practices Reduction and Elimination Policy are part of the New South Wales Government’s Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools package.

The changes include: 

• An expanded dedicated workforce of specialist staff including allied health and behaviour support services; 
• A new model of complex behaviour support to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students, including students with complex, challenging and unsafe behaviours; 
• Improved access to behaviour specialists for schools and students in regional and remote locations;  
• Additional evidence based professional learning for teachers and staff;
• Greater support for students with disability to access the curriculum;
• More support for vulnerable students through early intervention and targeted support; 
• Reducing suspensions for students, particularly in the early years; and
• Reducing and eliminating restrictive practices in NSW public schools. 

Mr Ward said this new approach will give local schools and teachers across our region the tools and support they need to reach students early, in the way that they respond to best, so they can fulfil their potential.

“Behaviour management in our schools is one of the most important aspects of providing a quality education so I certainly welcome the NSW Government taking action in this regard,” he said.

“This new approach will give our local principals, teachers and staff access to evidence-based support, including specialists, to allow them to put in place early intervention and prevention measures,” Mr Ward said.

Implementation of the new Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools package will commence for all NSW public schools from Term 2, 2022.

More information on the Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful package is available at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/inclusive--engaging-and-respectful-schools