Update from the CEO on Education: Friday October 9

Video Transcript 

 

Hi, I’m Fiona Sharkie, CEO of Amaze. 

I’m sure there is great relief, coupled with some concerns about Victorian students returning to face-to-face schooling.

We hope the first week back for regional students has gone well.

We are thinking of students and their families in Melbourne as they prepare to return next week:

• Primary and Specialist school, Years 7, 11 and 12 students will return next week on October 12.
• Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 return from October 26.

 

Experiences of disrupted learning during the pandemic  

Amaze has been meeting with the government – both the Minister and the Department of Education – every week since April when the first lockdown began, to relay concerns and experiences of autistic school students and their families. 

We have heard many things.

A small proportion of autistic students continued to attend school in person – either full or part time – and overwhelmingly found this to be very positive.

The large majority of autistic students had to learn at home.  

For some, remote learning has worked well. 

Although everyone has made a mammoth effort to make the best of it, for many in our community, the learning from home experience has been very difficult.

Our Learning in Lockdown survey and report found: 

• Over two-thirds of families reported their autistic child’s mental health and wellbeing has declined
• Almost half felt their child’s learning has not progressed
• Some autistic students refused or were unable to participate in learning at home
• Some have disengaged from school entirely
• Those with health vulnerabilities, feel unsafe to go back to school while the coronavirus is still circulating in the community.

 

The prospect of returning to school

Overwhelmingly, we heard autistic students and their families are keen to get back. 

You told us what a good return to school would look like:

• Better adjustments and modifications matched to your child’s personal strengths and challenges
• Support for mental health and well-being
• Assistance to reconnect with friends and peers at school
• Targeted support to catch-up with learning

We have been actively sharing these needs with the government.

 

Mental health and well-being

The Minister for Education has confirmed that the main focus of schools in Term 4 will be on mental health, wellbeing, and connection with teachers, peers and the school generally. While restrictions remain for some external workers coming on to school sites we’ve told that mental health, allied health and support workers should be able to attend.

 

Disengaged/school refusal

Priority will also be given to reaching out to students who have disengaged from school during this time. The Navigator program, which works with many autistic young people aged 12-17 years who are out of school is being expanded. 

If you have a child in grade 6 or secondary school that has disengaged from school or is refusing to go back we urge you to connect with the Navigator provider in your local area.

 

Catch up support and repeating

Catch up support will also be a focus but more so in early 2021. We’re expecting more announcements from government on this shortly.  

The Department’s policy on repeating a school year has not changed from pre-COVID19 times. It continues to actively discourage students from repeating a year, apart from in exceptional circumstances. The decision currently rests with the school principal.

 

Individual adjustments/modifications 

Our surveys shone a light on the high numbers of autistic students that do not currently have Individual Learning Plans or Student Support Groups (SSG) in place.

While these are only mandated for students who receive funding under the Program for Students with Disability (the PSD), schools are encouraged to put these in place for all students with disability.

Individualised plans and SSGs are an important way to identify and put action plans in place for adjustments and modifications needed to enable autistic students to achieve at school.

We urge you to make this request to your school.

  

So what will return to school look like when students return in the coming weeks?

Just like at the end of Term 2, many things will be different to the way school was pre-COVID19.

These changes include:

• Staff wearing masks,
• For students: it’s optional for primary students but is required for secondary students unless the student is exempt – which many autistic students will be
• Possible staggered start times or entry points
• Parents not allowed into school
• Hand washing and hand sanitiser in class
• School trips and excursions likely to be cancelled
• Temperature testing not required

We encourage you to speak to the school if any of these rules present difficulties for your child.

 

New Transitions

Transition days for those going into prep and Year 7 in 2021 look set to go ahead.

To support the transition to secondary school, Amaze has developed some resources with return-to-school tips and advice and responses to common questions that are now available on our website. 

And next Wednesday, 14 October, we are hosting our Transition to secondary school forum for parents and teachers.

 

All of us at Amaze are wishing you a positive return to school

But please continue to let us know about your experiences, both good and bad.

Amaze will continue to keep you informed as new information emerges.

In the meantime, remember to call our Autism Advisors if you need support.

Go well and keep us posted on any issues you face in the coming weeks. We’re here to help.

Good luck.

 

Helpful contacts:

The DET Parent Advice Line 1800 338 663 is now open 7 days a week. You can also contact the Regional Office in your area to seek more information and assistance.

The NDIS line is 1800 800 110 and press 5 to ask for additional support.

Amaze’s Autism Advisors on 1800 308 699 can also provide education advice specifically for autistic students and link you to our Peer Support leaders across Victoria.

For assistance with the Navigator program, visit the Navigator website with contact details for Navigator Coordinators in your area.