Page 320 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019

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“Any pervasive behaviour, or set of behaviours, regardless of cause (or even without any apparent or identified cause) which disrupts the capacity of the person, or other persons, to learn within the school environment, and which requires targeted or personalised interventions”.

As stated in the Expert Panel Report, there is a broad overlap between students falling within this definition and students with a disability or special educational needs, however the two groups are not identical. Other factors such as exposure to trauma, family violence, socio-economic disadvantage and other difficult circumstances may contribute to students presenting with complex needs and challenging behaviours, while causes of challenging behaviour displayed by some students may remain unclear.

(2) Schools are funded to meet the needs of all students. The school leadership determine how to use available resources to provide staffing and the programs and supports required for all students. Schools are able to access further supports through Education Support Office, including Network Student Engagement Teams (NSET)

(3) Only students who meet the ACT Student Disability Criteria for Intellectual Disability and Autism are able to access a small group learning support unit. Students with complex needs and challenging behaviours who do not meet ACT Student Disability Criteria are supported as part of their mainstream peer group with schools making the necessary adjustments and providing access to appropriate interventions.

Schools—preschool enrolments
(Question No 2054)

Ms Lee asked the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, upon notice, on 30 November 2018:

(1) How many preschool places are there in ACT government schools for the 2019 school year.

(2) What is the total number for each school.

(3) How many applications for preschool enrolment for the 2019 school year have been received.

(4) Of the applications received, how many have been accommodated in their preschool of first choice.

(5) If not accommodated in their preschool of first choice, what alternatives are offered to parents.

(6) If a placement is not available in a local priority enrolment area (PEA) school for preschool, does that jeopardise a placement for a child in the primary school.

(7) Can a parent apply for a placement in a preschool outside their PEA.

Ms Berry: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:


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