The PSA Special Education Working Group (SEWG) had their quarterly meeting on Monday 23 August 2021. The committee meets to discuss matters affecting School Learning Support Officers (SLSO) and reports these through the Schools Departmental Committee for discussion with the Department of Education (DoE).
SLSO SHS Transition
The pending transition of identified SLSO’s to the SLSO Student Health Support (SHS) positions was discussed at length at the meeting. The PSA continues to consult with the DoE with another meeting scheduled on 30 August. A bulletin will be sent to members once the consultation is finalised.
Training and Development – Professional Learning for Non-Teaching Staff (PLNTS)
Members have raised concerns with the committee regarding the lack of targeted and role specific training for SLSO’s delivered by PLNTS. We have raised this on several occasions with Departmental representatives and will continue to push for high quality, role specific training.
100 Well-being Nurses
The committee were also provided with a detailed presentation on the introduction of the Well-being and Health in-reach Nurse Coordinator program and the rollout of the 100 Well-being Nurses being allocated to support schools and students. Key areas of the presentation included:
- The recruitment of highly trained nurses.
- Confirmation they will be employed by NSW Health and based at selected schools
- That they will support schools by facilitating better identification and coordination of the response to health, wellbeing and social needs of vulnerable students and their families.
- The nurses will coordinate appropriate assessments and referrals to health and social services.
- They will complement existing services provided by school counselling services and wellbeing models.
The presentation provided the opportunity for the committee to highlight the importance of SLSO’s being actively involved and informed on the needs of the students they support.
Vaccinations + Return to Schools
Members have been contacting the PSA and SEWG committee members in relation to the current health orders, availability of vaccinations and the announcement of the return to school. As this situation is constantly changing we are advising members to read the PSA bulletins and go onto the NSW Health website for up to date information.
The PSA cannot provide health advice to members and recommends to always seek the advice of your doctor or a health care professional about the vaccine and your individual circumstances.
Next Meeting of the SEWG
If you have any topics or concerns that you would like discussed at the next SEWG meeting which is scheduled for Monday 22 November please reply to this email or contact the committee member in your area.
The SEWG committee members are:
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