Additional learning support

Learning support at MEPS is designed to support the diverse social, emotional, behavioural, and academic needs of students to ensure they can fully participate and succeed in their education.

This support includes tailored interventions and programs that help students develop essential skills, manage challenges, and build social and emotional and academic skills.

Overall, our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures every student's growth and wellbeing.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for 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 helps make sure every student gets the help they need at the right time. The team works with families, teachers and support staff to:

• understand each student’s needs
• plan adjustments and supports
• monitor progress
• connect with other services if needed.

MEPS learning and support team include:

• Assistant Principal - Wellbeing
• Assistant Principals (Stage)
• Learning and Support Teacher (LaST)
• School Counsellor / Psychologists

• Student Support Officers (SSO)
• Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurse (WIHN)

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.

Interested a Support Class?

Murwillumbah East Public School offers specialised support classes for students with additional learning and support needs. These classes provide tailored support for students with disability in a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

Support Classes

The Role of a School Counsellor and School Psychologist

The Role of the School Counsellor

School counsellors play a vital role in supporting student wellbeing and development. This work falls into two key areas:

1. Providing Counselling for Students

The school counsellor offers confidential support to students who may be facing personal, emotional, social, or academic challenges. Through one-on-one sessions, the counsellor helps students develop coping strategies, improve emotional resilience, and build skills to navigate life’s challenges. Whether a student is dealing with anxiety, friendship issues, family concerns, or school-related stress, the counsellor is here to listen, guide, and support.

2. Conducting Assessments to Support Student Needs

The counsellor can also, when requested, carry out assessments that explore a student’s cognitive, behavioural, and/or emotional functioning. These assessments help identify any challenges that may affect learning, behaviour, or overall wellbeing. The results can support applications for disability adjustments or guide the development of tailored support plans, helping ensure each student has access to the resources they need to thrive at school.

More information can be found here: About the School Counselling Service

Name: Sharon Barbour

Role: School Counsellor

Hours: Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays  8:45 - 3:15pm

This service is free for our students and is prioritised based on student need.

We require parents to complete a form for their child to access our school counsellor.

Contact us