Enrolment Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to specify the enrolment criteria for students seeking enrolment at East Gippsland Specialist School and the evidence required to support applications for enrolment.

It is intended to provide clarity for the local community on the enrolment criteria and ensure a smooth and supported transition for enrolling students.

Scope

Enrolment at East Gippsland Specialist School is based on a student’s disability and associated educational needs. Subject to capacity, student intake may be at any stage of the year, providing the student is of school age and satisfies the eligibility criteria. All applications for enrolment at East Gippsland Specialist School require regional approval.

Intellectual Disability

A diagnosis of Intellectual Disability from a registered psychologist evidenced by:

1. Sub-average general intellectual functioning which is demonstrated by a full-scale score of two standard deviations or more below the mean score on a standardised individual test of general intelligence, (for example a full scale score of 70 or below on one of the recommended standardised individual tests of intelligence);
   and
2. Significant deficits in adaptive behaviour established by a composite score of two standard deviations or more below the mean on an approved standardised test of adaptive behaviour,(for example a Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales composite score of 70 or below);
   and
3. A history and evidence of an ongoing problem with an expectation of continuation during the school years.

Priority order of placement

In circumstances where the schoolmay not have sufficient accommodation to be able to accept all application from eligible students,the school will manage enrolmemt applications in accordance with the following priority order of placement.
1. Students with a sibling at the same permanent address who are attending the school at the same time.
2.Students who reside nearest to the school. The school must ensure that all applicants eligible under the first criterion have been offered a place before moving to considerarion of the second criterion.

Evidence And Supporting Information Documents

To support a student’s application for enrolment, the following evidence and supporting information should be provided:

Intellectual Disability

a) A signed psychologist’s report from within the last 24 months reporting the results of an IQ test and assessment of adaptive behaviour.

The Department provides assessment services to support specialist schools in determining whether the student meets their enrolment criteria. Department regional offices also play a role in supporting specialist schools with enrolment processes.

NOTE: Enrolment applications may not be successful if the requested documentation is not provided or invalid.

Appeal Process

Parents/carers can appeal against the decision not to approve an enrolment. This can occur in relation to enrolments at any age level. Parents or carers seeking to appeal a specialist school’s enrolment decision should lodge a written appeal with the school. The Department will contact parents/carers with further information after an appeal is lodged.

Communications

The East Gippsland Specialist School enrolment policy will be made available to the school community on the school’s website.