Disability & Inclusion

Courtenay Gardens Primary School has a number of students with special needs who are supported by the Disability Inclusion (DI) funding model (formerly Program for Students with Disabilities, or PSD). This support is provided by Education Support (ES) staff throughout the various grade levels and overseen by our Disability and Inclusion Leader Kate Kelly. ES support students by modifying work, helping students engage, offering movement and brain breaks or by supporting the classroom teacher. Students receive support for part of the day or week depending on their needs and funding level. Some students also participate in speech therapy or occupational therapy provided by the school.

In order to qualify for Disability Inclusion funding, students are required to meet criteria showing they need substantial and extensive adjustments at school in order to access the curriculum. Applications are completed through our Disability Inclusion team and provided to DET. Any funding is then allocated to the school to use as the school sees best to support that student. Individual learning goals are set at Student Support Group Meetings which are held each term. Parents are always invited to attend and work together with the teacher to discuss goals in their child’s Individual Education Plan.

Literacy Intervention 

CGPS uses a research-based literacy intervention program called Fountas and Pinnell to help those students needing extra assistance with their reading & writing skills. This program focuses on primarily on selected students in grades 1 and 2 to ensure they don’t get left behind in their critical early years of learning. The program also helps builds confidence by using practical, proven strategies in small groups. Ultimately, we try to encourage every student to enjoy reading with the goal that they become lifelong independent learners.