Northern School for Autism

NORTHERN School for Autism is a Victorian State Government specialist school that exclusively addresses the educational needs of students with autism. Across the two campuses of NSA a dedicated team of 235 staff members provide autism specific educational programs, for 476 students from 5 to 18 years of age.

The Reservoir Campus provides state of the art facilities for the Early and Middle Years’ students. The Later Years’ students attend the refurbished Lalor Campus, which is located close to transport, community services and shopping precincts. This campus has been invested in by the Department of Education to receive new buildings, facilities and resources ready for 2025. In 2015 the school opened a satellite program at Norris Bank Primary School.

Northern School for Autism implements a teaching approach that builds on individual student’s strengths and skills. The educational programs accommodate the particular impairments associated with autism. Teaching and learning programs centre upon developing students’ interpersonal/personal skills, communication skills and executive functioning. Emphasis is placed on promoting social skills, assisting students develop their imagination and play skills, as well as supporting students learn to manage and self-regulate their emotions and behaviour. Programs are designed to accommodate individual student’s needs and interests. Classroom teams are supported by occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Utilising proven teaching practice, an individual learning plan is developed for each child in consultation between parents and staff.

We pride ourselves on being a centre of excellence in the provision of programs for students with autism. I hope you enjoy learning all about our wonderful school.

Pamela Mathieson – Principal

RESERVOIR CAMPUS

16-18 Gertz Avenue, Reservoir, VIC 3073

Telephone: (03) 9462 5990

Campus email: northern.sch.autism@education.vic.gov.au

LALOR CAMPUS

2-4 Lyndon Street, Lalor, VIC 3075

Telephone: (03) 9464 3480

Campus email: northern.sch.lalor@education.vic.gov.au

Enrolment Enquiries

Email: mindy.fischer@education.vic.gov.au

Officer Specialist School provides educational programs for 5 – 18 year old students with a mild to severe intellectual disability.

Programs include:

• Small class sizes with Individual Learning Plans for each student.

• A transdisciplinary teaching approach comprising of: Teachers, Education Support Staff, Allied Health team – Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Worker, two School Nurses and a Mental Health Practitioner.

• Specialist programs include Physical Education, Food Technology, Art, Performing Arts, STEM and Sustainability, Library, Community Engagement programs, Travel Education, Excursions and Pathway Programs all add value to the education of our students.

Our School Wide Positive Behaviour Program supports students to embrace the school values of: Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Friendly.

Families are an integral part of our partnership and we all work in collaboration with each other.