Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Student Support)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) includes promoting and valuing differences in people’s backgrounds, cultures, and identities. At Hillside, we create inclusive classroom environments where all children feel welcomed, respected and valued, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or ability. We recognise that each child is unique and look for opportunities to celebrate individual differences and cultural diversity. Please click to access the full ESF DEI Statement.

We want all children to feel safe, supported, and valued in their learning environment, which is essential for their academic and emotional growth. This can be achieved through experiences that celebrate diversity, such as reading books with diverse characters and families, incorporating cultural traditions and holidays into the curriculum, and encouraging children to share their unique experiences and perspectives. Promoting equity can also involve providing resources and support to students who may face barriers to learning, such as children requiring learning support.

Please CLICK HERE for the ESF Inclusion Policy.

Our teaching team works closely with parents to provide support for diverse learners to fully access and benefit from our open-planned, English-speaking inquiry-based programme. This support includes, but is not limited to:

  • Classroom Strategies
  • Intervention Cycles
  • Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
  • Onsite Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS – government subvented)
  • Speech and Language Therapy (parent-funded, on-site with SPOT or Young Folk Therapy)**
  • Occupational Therapy (parent-funded, on-site with SPOT or Young Folk Therapy)**

**Please note that while Hillside has a school-based Student Support Co-ordinator, we do not have a Learning Support Department with specialist teachers on-site. Therapy services are provided by external organisations and are parent-funded.