In the education of students with special needs, the criteria used to ascertain the eligibility for services and resources is dependent on a variety of factors.
Applying to enrol in a public school
If your child is currently enrolled in a NSW public school, contact us to discuss the enrolment procedures and obtain the necessary paperwork.
If your child is coming from a non-government school, contact us to make an appointment to discuss your child's potential enrolment.
If your child has a temporary visa or visitor visa you will first need to apply to enrol by contacting the temporary residents program who will give you forms to bring to the school.
Enrolment appointments
If your child has not been previously enrolled in a NSW public school, you will need to bring these documents with you at the time of your appointment:
- your child's birth certificate or identity documents
- proof of student's address - originals of different documents such as your council rates notice or residential lease and electricity bill
- Immunisation history statement based on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
- family law or other relevant court orders (if applicable).
If your child is not a permanent resident you will also need to provide:
- passport or travel documents
- current visa and previous visas (if applicable).
For children already enrolled in a NSW public school we only require:
- proof of student's address - originals of different documents such as your council rates notice or residential lease and electricity bill
- family law or other relevant court orders (if applicable).
It's important that you tell the principal if your child has any special circumstances, allergies, health or medical conditions, before your child starts school. You will also be asked to complete an application to enrol in a NSW public school form during your appointment. Please note that this form must be completed in English. Help is available for parents who do not read English. There are also translations of the enrolment application which may help you fill out the form in English.
Eligibility for special needs enrolment
To be deemed eligible for enrolment, the following requirements are mandatory:
- The student must have an intellectual disability and a confirmed Disability Confirmation sheet.
- The student must have been formally assessed as having the disability/impairment, by a person with relevant qualifications such a medical practitioners/specialists, psychologists,
- The degree of impairment must be sufficient to satisfy the criteria for enrolment in Government special education services or programs in the State or Territory.
- Enrolment at Passfield Park School follows an access request form submitted to Department of Education and Communities at the regional level.
- The submitted access request form will be reviewed by an area panel to determine the suitability of placement and availability of positions at a selected school. Parents are able to indicate a preference for placement.
Starting school
Your child can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if he/she turns five on or before 31 July in that year. By law, all children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday.
Because students start new work in their new class at the beginning of the school year, it would be an advantage for your child both socially and educationally, to start school as soon as possible in the new year.