Transitioning from school
The main purpose of our senior Blue Unit is to prepare for life after school. Students are encouraged to make adult choices and learn from mistakes. Focus is on independence, risk taking, using initiative, having time to think and do things for themselves. There are many different groupings each day as we strive to provide a wide variety of programs to cater for the diverse needs of all students.
When students graduate from St Patrick's Special School, there are a variety of options available to them and their families. These options are discussed at Individual Education Plan meetings as students progress through the school. Our Senior Unit program focuses on the transition of students into the community and the availibility of individual options for each student.
Life post St Patrick's Special School
The transition from St Patrick's Special School for our students can be exciting but also daunting and challenging for some. Our parents and caregivers of students have identified the following key questions when exploring post-school options.
- What are the options for my child when he/she leaves school?
- Who organises work experience and/or transition placement at post-school options for my child?
- What agencies do I need to contact prior to my child leaving school?
- Where do I obtain the support I need after my child leaves school for funding, respite, independent accommodation and behavioural support
- How can I help my child transition from school to work/day options?
- Who do I contact if I would like my child to change post-school services/programs?
- My child currently attends respite. Will he/she still be eligible to attend once he/she turns 18 years old?
- Are there opportunities to keep in touch with the school community as an old scholar and past parent?
- Will my Centrelink benefits change when my child turns 16 or 18 years old?
- Who can I talk to?
What are the options for my child when he/she leaves school?
There are three main options for your child:
- Day Options.
- A combination of work at an Australian Disability Enterprise and Day Options.
- Full-time work at an Australian Disability Enterprise.
Who organises work experience and/or transition placement at post-school options for my child?
The Senior Coordinator in collaboration with you and teaching staff organises appropriate work experience or transition placement for your child.
What agencies do I need to contact prior to my child leaving school?
Contact your child’s Service Coordinator through Disability Services as your child’s level of support involves a needs based assessment. This funding may be used to purchase a range of support including Day Option services.
Where do I obtain the support I need after my child leaves school for funding, respite, independent accommodation and behavioural support
There are three steps for you to follow:
- Contact your child’s Service Coordinator at Disability Services.
- Check this has been followed up with the Line Manager at Disability Services.
- If no action, contact the Regional Manager at Disability Services.
How can I help my child transition from school to work/day options?
When your child enters the senior Blue Unit, contact your child’s Service Coordinator at Disability Services and inform them about what your child and family needs when he/she transitions to a post-school setting.
Who do I contact if I would like my child to change post-school services/programs?
My child currently attends respite. Will he/she still be eligible to attend once he/she turns 18 years old?
Each respite facility is different. You will need to follow this up with the Centre and your Service Coordinator at Disability Services.
Are there opportunities to keep in touch with the school community as an old scholar and past parent?
There is a past parent representative on the P&F Committee. This person coordinates social functions with old scholars and past parents.
Will my Centrelink benefits change when my child turns 16 or 18 years old?
Yes, a number of benefits and allowances change. Please contact Centrelink and/or see the Parent Support Liaison Coordinator about these benefits and allowances prior to them turning 16 and then 18.
Who can I talk to?
At St Patrick's Special School, you can speak to:
- Our Principal or Assistant Principal
- Class teachers
- The Senior Cluster Coordinator
- Parent Support & Liaison Coordinator
- The P & F Committee, including Class Representatives
- Parents—past & present
Catholic Education South Australia (CEO) Special Education Team
Phone: (08) 8301 6600
Website: www.cesa.catholic.edu.au
Disability Services (SA Government Agency)
see website for current contact numbers.
Website: http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/community-support/disability/consumers/contacts-and-locations
