The Queensland Department of Education is committed to inclusive education and ensuring that every student can access, participate in and progress through high-quality education. The following information provides an overview of the support available at EHSS for students who may require additional adjustments to support their learning, participation or wellbeing.
The EHSS Student Engagement Team works collaboratively with classroom teachers, students, families and relevant professionals across Prep to Year 6. Together, they identify barriers to learning and participation, plan and review reasonable adjustments, support effective use of resources, and strengthen teachers' capacity to meet the diverse needs of learners. Each Support Teacher works with designated year levels and classroom teachers to support this collaborative approach.
At EHSS, high-quality, evidence-informed classroom teaching is the foundation of support for every student. Wherever appropriate, adjustments are embedded within everyday classroom teaching so students can access the curriculum, learn alongside their peers, develop positive relationships and participate meaningfully in school life. Universal classroom practices may be supplemented by targeted or individualised support when required. Adjustments are responsive to each student's strengths and needs and are developed and reviewed in consultation with the student, their family and relevant school staff.
Guidance officer
Access to the Guidance Officer is coordinated through the EHSS Student Support Referral Process. Parents and carers who believe their child may benefit from Guidance Officer involvement should first discuss their concerns with their child's classroom teacher or the relevant Deputy Principal.
Guidance Officers work collaboratively with students, families and school staff. Their role may include consultation, assessment and short-term support for students experiencing significant social, emotional, behavioural or learning needs. Where appropriate, the Guidance Officer may provide a number of short-term support sessions before reviewing the student's needs and recommending further school-based strategies or external services.
The Student Support Team considers each referral and prioritises access according to the student's individual needs, level of concern and the urgency of support required.
Speech-language pathologist
A Speech–Language Pathologist visits EHSS for an allocated number of days each term. They work collaboratively with teachers, families and other members of the Student Engagement Team to identify and reduce barriers related to students' communication, language, literacy and participation.
Support may include consultation, classroom observation, assessment, teacher advice, capacity building, and the development of strategies and resources that can be embedded within everyday classroom teaching. Where appropriate and subject to service capacity, targeted intervention may also be provided to a small number of students with significant speech, language or communication needs.
Access to Speech–Language Pathology support is prioritised by the Student Support Team through the EHSS Student Support Referral Process. The type and level of support provided are determined according to each student's identified needs, educational impact and available service capacity.
Regional and specialist support services
EHSS may access a range of departmental regional and specialist services to support students' learning, participation, communication, behaviour and wellbeing. Depending on the student's identified needs, this may include specialist support relating to hearing, vision or physical disability, as well as English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D), inclusion, behaviour and wellbeing.
Advisory Visiting Teachers may provide specialist support in some areas of low-incidence disability, including hearing, vision and physical disability. Their work may include consultation, classroom observation, advice about reasonable adjustments, specialised resources, assistive technology and building the capability of school staff.
Access generally begins through the EHSS Student Support Referral Process. Some services have additional departmental eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, consent processes or regional referral pathways. The Student Engagement Team will determine the most appropriate pathway and work with families and relevant departmental services where further support is required.