SEWS can help with enrolment queries throughout the year. Please note that student enrolment at SEWS is via an Access Request process.
Local enrolment area
Please see “how to enrol” below.
How to enrol
SEWS offers educational programs for students with special learning needs from Kindergarten to Year 12 and operates under the policies and procedures of the NSW Department of Education (DoE). The department provides a range of enrolment and support options for children with disability or special learning needs. This includes additional support for children in their local school, as well as specialist support classes located in some regular schools and in schools for specific purposes (SSPs or ‘special schools’). SEWS is an SSP. When considering which setting is most appropriate for your child, you may wish to contact relevant schools directly in order to take a tour.
To enrol a student the child must be enrolled at a DoE school (usually their local school) using the application to enrol form (PDF 768KB). Application forms are available in a number of community languages. You can discuss additional support in your child’s local school as well as support class and SSP placement with the principal of your local school.
Applications for placement in an SSP are made via the Access Request process. An Access Request is usually arranged by the School Learning and Support Team at the local public school, but can also be organised through the local Educational Services team if a child is not yet enrolled. Local teams can be contacted on 131 536. A placement panel meets to discuss the student's eligibility, which is determined through the department's disability criteria, as well as the availability of places. The panel decides on the most suitable educational setting. Following the placement panel meeting, if the application has been successful, parents will receive a letter offering them a place for their child.
DESU students who are eligible for enrolment as outlined in the Department education enrolment procedures (PDF 254KB) are required to enrol through a state wide placement panel. Support with this process can be accessed through the local Educational Services team on 131 536.
SEWS student placements are reviewed annually to assess the ongoing suitability of their placement at SEWS.
For more information, or to discuss assessment of your child’s needs, call the Educational Services team on 131 536 or visit Special Specific Purpose Schools (SSPs)
Moving overseas
Moving overseas and need school reports authenticated for DFAT?
Email document.authentication@det.nsw.edu.au to arrange to bring original documents to 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta 2150.