Learning Support

At Manly Vale Public School, every child is welcomed, accepted and supported exactly as they are. We know that children learn differently, grow differently and need different things at different times, and that this diversity is not only normal, but something to be embraced with compassion and skill. Our learning support culture is built on genuine love, deep respect and the unwavering belief that all children can thrive when the right people walk beside them.

Families can feel confident knowing their child will be surrounded by caring, highly trained adults who understand additional needs, diagnosed learning difficulties, disability and neurodiversity, and who respond with warmth, expertise and dignity. Here, learning support isn’t an “extra”… it’s part of who we are. We stand proudly with every learner, ensuring they feel safe, celebrated, and fully included in the life of our school.

Support that fits your child's needs

We recognise that each child learns differently, so we tailor support to suit their individual strengths, challenges and learning style. Whether a student needs extra help, steady guidance, targeted intervention or opportunities for extension and challenge, we work closely with families and teachers to provide support that truly fits.

When a student requires more personalised adjustments, our Learning and Support Team may develop an Individualised Learning Plan (ILP). These plans are co-designed with families, classroom teachers, SLSOs and external professionals (where appropriate) to outline goals, strategies and supports that help each student thrive. ILPs are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant, effective and centred on the child’s wellbeing and progress.

Additional learning support can include:

Working together with families

• teachers, SLSOs and specialist staff partnering with parents and carers
• shared decision-making so supports are meaningful and effective
• involving students (where appropriate) in understanding their own learning needs
• regular review meetings with parents and external practitioners where appropriate

Specialist support

• tailored programs for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• tier 2 intervention: small-group tutoring to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills
• SLSO support within the classrooms

Adjustments in the classroom

• accessible learning environments
• assistive technology and specialised tools
• scaffolded tasks, simplified content or alternate focuses
• instructional resources and extra adult guidance

Assessment adjustments

• additional time
• simplified language
• rest breaks
• different ways to show learning (e.g. oral responses instead of written tasks)

How we know a student may need extra help

We carefully monitor student progress and wellbeing so that support is given early and thoughtfully. A student may be considered for additional support when:

• teachers observe changes in learning, behaviour or engagement
• assessment results or learning records show a need for targeted help
• parents or carers express concerns or request additional support

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Learning and support team

Our Learning and Support Team plays a vital role in ensuring every student receives the right help, at the right time, in the way that suits them best. Working closely with families, classroom teachers and support staff, the team takes a thoughtful and compassionate approach to understanding each child’s needs, planning adjustments and personalised programs, monitoring progress and connecting with additional services when required.

Our dedicated Learning and Support Teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to design tailored learning pathways for students with additional needs, disability, high potential learning, or those who simply benefit from extra guidance. Our School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) provide warm, consistent in-class support, helping students stay engaged, confident and successful throughout the day. Together, this caring team ensures every child feels supported, capable and empowered in their learning journey and together the team takes a thoughtful and compassionate approach to:

• understanding each student’s individual needs
• planning tailored adjustments and supports
• monitoring growth and wellbeing
• connecting students and families with additional services where needed.

Our Learning and Support Team includes a combination of:

• Learning and Support Teacher (LaST)
• School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs)
• School Counsellor
• Itinerant Teachers (Hearing or Vision)
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) teachers
• Aboriginal Education Officers
• Home School Liaison or Community Liaison Officers

Together, this team provides a strong network of care around your child to help them feel understood, supported and confident in their learning every day.

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Inclusive Sport & Enrichment Opportunities

At Manly Vale Public School, every child is encouraged to participate, belong and shine, including students with disability or additional needs. We proudly provide a range of inclusive sporting and enrichment opportunities so all students can experience success, connection and joy through physical activity and shared experiences.

Our students take part in events such as the Northern Beaches MultiSport Day and other DoE Multiclass sports programs, where they can try new activities, build confidence and make friends in a supportive, welcoming environment. We also ensure full access to our school, zone and regional carnivals — athletics, swimming and cross country — with adjustments in place so every child can participate safely and meaningfully.

These opportunities celebrate students’ strengths, promote wellbeing and help every learner feel part of our vibrant and active school community.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us