What is a Parent Support Group?
A Program Support Group (PSG) brings together key people involved in your child’s holistic education. It is a partnership between you and your child, school representatives and, where relevant, invited professionals. The PSG works together to guide the planning and implementation of inclusive educational practices for your child. The members of the PSG meet on a regular basis to develop plans, adjustments and interventions that reflect a common understanding of your child’s needs. It is fundamental to the success of the PSG that all participants adhere to the following meeting protocols: • meetings are collaborative in decision-making • meetings are respectful and positive in tone • there is an opportunity for all voices to be heard.
Which students have a PSG?
A school will establish a PSG where there is a need to guide the planning and implementation of inclusive educational practices for a student. This may be due to academic, social, emotional, behavioural, cultural, health and/or wellbeing needs of the student. A PSG may be established for your child: • if your child is receiving extensive adjustments/interventions to their education program • if your child is receiving less extensive adjustments/interventions to their education program, but this program still requires monitoring and evaluation • when there have been unexpected and critical changes to circumstances in your child’s life • when there have been unexpected changes to your child’s learner profile (including how they learn) • in response to needs identified by you or the school • in response to needs diagnosed by a medical or allied health specialist. A PSG may be established when your child is first enrolled at the school or at any time when the need arises.
What does the PSG do?
The members of the PSG (including you) work together to develop plans, adjustments and interventions for your child’s education program. As part of designing the education program for your child, the PSG may: • identify your child’s needs • use data and information (e.g. from school assessments or reports from health professionals) to plan adjustments, interventions, supports and strategies • provide advice to the principal about the educational needs of your child and the types of resources required • review your child’s progress towards previously agreed goals • establish future goals and actions • seek independent specialist advice to clarify your child’s needs and appropriate adjustments. The PSG may develop and review educational and other plans for your child including: Personalised Learning Plans, Behaviour Support Plans, Safety Plans, Medical Management Plans, Health Plans and/or Cultural Plans.