Wellbeing

Disability Inclusion - Understanding Adjustments and Accommodations at School

Every child learns differently, and some students need additional supports or adjustments to help them access learning successfully. In Victorian schools, adjustments and accommodations are used to ensure all students can participate, feel included and experience success alongside their peers. These supports help remove barriers to learning and create more equitable access for all students.

Some common classroom adjustments may include:

• Extra processing time to answer questions or complete tasks
• Visual supports such as schedules, checklists or step-by-step instructions
• Flexible seating options to support focus and regulation
• Reduced workload to help students manage cognitive demands
• Scheduled movement breaks throughout the day

• Access to sensory tools or quiet spaces when needed

   

These supports help students manage attention, sensory needs, communication differences, anxiety and learning challenges. Many of these strategies also benefit a wide range of learners across the classroom environment. At WPS, these strategies are captured in our Student Learner Profiles, which allows all staff to be aware of the accommodation and strategies used.

It is important to remember that fairness does not always mean everyone gets the same thing. Fairness means giving each student what they need to learn, participate and feel successful. Adjustments are not about giving students an advantage — they are about ensuring every child has the opportunity to access learning in a way that works for them.

At school, teachers work closely with families, students and support staff to identify strategies that are practical, supportive and responsive to each child’s strengths and needs. By working together, we can continue building inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued, supported and capable of success.

SWPBS: Week 7 @ Whittlesea World 

This week, we celebrated the achievements of all students with our second Whittlesea World for Term 2. There was a big turnout from all students across Foundation through to Year 6, with many students trading in their Golden Tickets for a variety of items. We want to congratulate all students who have received a Golden Ticket during this part of the term for demonstrating our school values of 'Respect Your School', 'Help Others Succeed', and 'Do Your Best'. We want to make a special mention of our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students, as many of them were trading in their Golden Tickets. So far, almost 2000 Golden Tickets have been handed out this term.

Here is a snapshot of Whittlesea World from Week 7.