Our Commitment to Inclusion:
Supporting Students with Diverse Needs at Marshall Road State School
At Marshall Rd State School we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of all our students by providing an inclusive education. We aim to provide a learning environment where our students can access and fully participate in learning alongside their similar-aged peers, supported by reasonable adjustments, teaching strategies and targeted support programs that are tailored to meet their individual needs. All students and their families are welcome, valued, respected and belong to our school. A sense of belonging is at the heart of our inclusive school community. Inclusion is embedded in all aspects of everyday school life supported by policies and everyday practices.
Marshall Road SS has a whole-school approach to supporting our students. We respond to the diverse needs of our students by providing differentiated teaching and learning to support every student to access, engage and participate in the curriculum and achieve their best. We believe every student has the ability to learn and should be able to demonstrate progress in their learning.
Student Support Services
Our Support Services Team works closely with classroom teachers, families, and specialist professionals to nurture each child's academic, social, emotional, and physical development within a safe and caring environment.
We partner with a range of experienced specialists who collaborate with teachers and families to ensure every student is supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential
Our school values strong partnerships between families and staff. If parents or caregivers have concerns about their child's learning, development, or wellbeing, they are encouraged to firstly speak with the child's class teacher. Together, we can explore the most appropriate supports, and if needed, connect families with the school's specialist professionals for further advice or assistance.
NCCD
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education 2025 (the standards) Australian Students with disability must be able to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. To ensure this, student with disability may receive adjustments to access education, based on the professional judgement of teachers in consultation with families and the student.
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) gives Australian schools, families, and the community information about the number of students with disability in schools and the adjustments they receive. All schools report the data collected for the NCCD to the Australian Government on an annual basis.
Our Inclusion Team
Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Teachers and Teacher Aides
Our Inclusion Teachers play an important role in supporting students with diverse learning needs so that every child feels valued, a sense of belonging, included and able to reach success at school. As a team we are flexible, responsive, have a strengths-based approach with high expectations and genuine learning opportunities, supported by adjustments and tailored strategies.
Inclusion Teachers work closely with classroom teachers to differentiate learning programs, provide targeted and intensive support and remove barriers to ensure all students can access and participate fully in learning. Our Inclusion Teachers collaborate with families and, where appropriate, external specialists, to develop personalised strategies that support each child's growth and wellbeing. All students with a diagnosed disability will have a Personalised Learning Record (PLR). These are developed in consultation with class teachers, inclusion teachers, students and families and outline reasonable adjustments to support our student to access and engage in the school environment. Our Inclusion teachers can liaise with families, are involved in case meetings/ team meetings to help establish productive partnerships and work collaboratively with other specialists and external agencies to enhance our students learning.
Our Inclusion Teacher Aides support students who may need assistance with learning tasks, communication, behaviour or social skills. Teacher Aides support our students to build confidence, independence, feel included and be able to participate in all classroom learning and school activities.
Through small group work, in-class support, co teaching and co planning, our Inclusion Teachers and Teacher Aides, help create an inclusive learning environment where all our diverse learners can participate fully and reach their potential.
Guidance Officer
Our Guidance Officer supports the educational, social and emotional wellbeing of students. They may support by:
* Helping to identify and support students with learning, behavioural or emotional needs.
* Providing short-term counselling and wellbeing support.
* Assisting with assessment and guidance around learning support or extension programs.
* Liaising with all members of the school community and external providers.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Our Speech Therapist supports students who experience difficulties with communication. They may support by:
* Assessing and support children with speech, language, voice or fluency difficulties.
* Working with teachers to build communication-friendly classrooms.
* Providing strategies and programs to help students develop clearer speech and stronger language skills for learning and social interaction.
Occupational Therapist
Our Occupational Therapist supports students to fully participate fully in school activities by helping them build the skills they need for everyday tasks. They may support by:
* Assisting students with fine motor skills, such as handwriting, cutting, and using classroom tools.
* Helping students with sensory processing and self regulation strategies.
* Supporting teachers to make adjustments so students can access learning activities.
Physiotherapist
Our Physiotherapist helps students who have physical or movement challenges that impact their participation in school. They may support by:
* Supporting students to improve mobility, strength, balance and coordination.
* Recommending equipment or modifications to help students move safely and independently.
* Working alongside teachers and families to promote physical inclusion in all school activities.
Advisory Visiting Techer (AVT)
Our Advisory Visiting Teachers are specialists who provide expertise in supporting students with specific learning or physical needs. They may focus on areas such as:
* Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
* Hearing Impairment
* Vision Impairment
* Physical Impairment
* Intellectual Impairment
AVT's work with teachers to develop individual plans, suggest adjustments, and ensure all students can engage and participate successfully in the classroom.
School Chaplain
The school chaplain helps build positive relationships within the school community by offering a listening ear, a caring presence, and a message of hope. They support wellbeing initiatives and activities that promote belonging for all students. The chaplaincy service is available to everyone in the school community, but does not offer any religious advice.
Student Health
We work closely with nursing services to support students with specific health needs. The school collaborates with families, healthcare providers, and school staff to develop individual health plans and ensure safe, effective care for students during the school day.
External Providers
Marshall Road State School is committed to supporting student wellbeing by working collaboratively with both internal staff and external providers. Partnering with external agencies helps ensure students receive effective, personalised support in an inclusive and caring environment.
External providers may offer services such as assessments and recommendations. As part of this process, the school may share relevant information about a student's progress, learning and support needs. All information is handled carefully and in line with Queensland Department of Education guidelines to ensure privacy and best practice.
Want to Know More?
If you have further questions or want to know how our Inclusion Team can help support your child to achieve their best, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Head of Inclusion, Sally Martin on 3421 8222.