Access Assistant Program
Students with invasive or complex health care needs or a physical disability, including those returning to school after a period of absence, can gain support from the Access Assistant Program.
The program provides healthcare support that cannot be undertaken by the education department, for example peg feeding.
To access this service, contact your child's school or preschool and use the referral form on the access assistant program page.
Learning support
Learning support may be provided for students who are unable to attend school for an extended period of time because of health issues. This includes students who:
- have a disability, illness, or injury that is preventing them from attending school long term or for extended periods.
- have a disability, long-term or chronic health issue that requires periodic hospitalisation, for example, students with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, respiratory problems, or mental illness.
Talk to your child's school to make arrangements for school work to be sent home or to explore other services such as the Hospital School SA or the Open Access College.
Hospital School SA and the Open Access College can assist by:
- providing a link between the hospital and the school
- making referrals to other support agencies
- working with the school on issues such as curriculum and support services
- managing important documentation such as agency forms, and school and hospital notes.
For Hospital School SA, students are referred by the school, the hospital, or other support services. For more information contact:
Hospital School SA
Phone: 8161 7262
Email: HSSA.info403@school.sa.edu.au.
Open Access College applications for enrolment will be considered based on the individual situation of the student. Further information, including eligibility criteria, is available in the Department for Education’s Open Access College enrolment policy
Returning to school
Before your child returns to school after an extended period of absence, provide the school with any information needed to support their health and learning. This might include:
- information on the illness or disability, including health care plans developed with the support of the relevant medical professional.
- clearly labelled medication showing dosage and frequency along with a medication authority
- how the illness or disability might affect learning, including specific subjects that are impacted
- ways the school can support the student to manage independently.
Monitor your child's progress and keep the school informed of any changes.
Related information
On this site
Support for children with disability to go to school
Other websites
Health support planning for children and students in education and care settings - Department for Education
Hospital School of South Australia's hospital education programs - Department for Education
