The É«ÀÇÉçÇøSpecial Education Working Group (SEWG) had their quarterly meeting on Monday 23 August 2021. ÌýThe committee meets to discuss matters affecting School Learning Support Officers (SLSO)Ìýand reports theseÌýthrough 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. ÌýThe É«ÀÇÉçÇøcontinues to consult with the DoE with another meetingÌýscheduledÌýon 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 committeeÌýregarding the lack ofÌýtargeted 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 onÌýtheÌýintroduction of the Well-being and Health in-reach Nurse Coordinator program and the rollout of the 100 Well-being Nurses being allocated to supportÌýschools and students. ÌýKey areas of the presentation included:
- The recruitment of highlyÌýtrained nurses.
- Confirmation they will be employed by NSW Health and based at selected schools
- That they will supportÌýschools by facilitating better identification and coordination of the response to health, wellbeing and social needs of vulnerable students and their families.
- The nurses will coordinateÌýappropriate assessments and referrals to health and social services.
- They will complement existing services provided by school counselling services and wellbeing models.
The presentationÌýprovided the opportunity for the committee to highlight the importance of SLSO’s being activelyÌýinvolved and informed on the needs of the students they support.
VaccinationsÌý+ Return to Schools
Members have been contacting the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand SEWGÌýcommittee members in relation to the current health orders, availability of vaccinations and the announcement of the return to school. ÌýAs this situation is constantly changing we are advising members to read theÌýÉ«ÀÇÉçÇøbulletins and go onto the NSW Health website for up to date information.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøcannot 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 concernsÌýthat 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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