Specialised Learning Program (SLP) for Autistic Students
Overview
Marangaroo Primary School is proud to be one of twelve public primary schools in Western Australia to host the Specialised Learning Program (SLP) for Autistic Students.
The SLP supports up to 25 autistic students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who, at the point of enrolment, may find it challenging to participate successfully full-time in a mainstream classroom setting.
We adopt a neuro-affirming approach that celebrates neurodiversity while maintaining high expectations and optimism for every student.
Our goal is to create a learning environment where autistic students are empowered to thrive — academically, socially and emotionally — while feeling safe, valued, listened to and understood.
Our Philosophy
The SLP is designed for students who demonstrate academic potential but may face barriers to fully accessing the curriculum.
By addressing these barriers, the program enables students to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Our approach focuses on:
- Fostering engagement in mainstream classrooms
- Building organisational skills for independent learning
- Promoting social cognition and positive peer relationships
- Supporting the development of emotional self-regulation
- Enhancing academic achievement through targeted intervention
At Marangaroo Primary School, we believe in empowering our students to reach their full potential, while recognising and affirming their identity as autistic individuals.
Program Structure
Students enrolled in the SLP spend time in both their Homeroom (SLP hub room) and their mainstream classroom.
This allows them to access specialist support while continuing to participate in mainstream learning and social experiences.
At Marangaroo Primary School, our SLP consists of:
- One Early Intervention Room
- One Junior Hub
- One Senior Hub
Each student follows an individual timetable designed collaboratively with students, parents and staff to balance time spent in both learning environments.
Timetables are reviewed regularly to ensure the support provided continues to meet each student’s evolving needs.
The overarching aim of the SLP is to support students to transition back into full-time mainstream learning, equipped with the confidence, strategies and skills for success.
Teaching and Learning Approach
Our SLP team uses a range of evidence-based and neuro-affirming practices to support student development.
These include:
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Explicit and Direct Instruction
- Facilitated play and social learning
- Visual supports and schedules
- Protective Behaviours lessons
- Incidental teaching and modelling
Each student’s program is based on their unique profile of strengths, needs and goals, supporting both academic and personal growth.
We maintain a strong focus on communication, organisation, socialisation and self-regulation to help students achieve age-appropriate outcomes and meaningful engagement.
Social and Emotional Curriculum
At Marangaroo Primary School, we have developed a tailored Social and Emotional Curriculum and Scope and Sequence designed specifically for our cohort of SLP students.
This curriculum builds foundational skills such as:
- Interoception (understanding internal body signals)
- Executive functioning (planning, working memory and flexibility)
To enhance engagement and real-world learning, our social and emotional curriculum also incorporates cooking, gardening and life skills.
These hands-on experiences help students develop essential skills for independence, community participation and lifelong wellbeing.
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
All students in our SLP have an Individualised Education Plan (IEP).
Each IEP is developed collaboratively between students, parents, staff and external therapists to ensure that support at school aligns with the strategies and goals in place outside of school.
This collaborative approach ensures a consistent, whole-child focus across all areas of learning and development.
Integration and Inclusion
SLPs are fully integrated within mainstream schools, providing student-centred, inclusive learning environments.
Students enrolled in the SLP are valued members of the Marangaroo Primary School community and learn alongside their peers whenever possible.
They receive the same curriculum-aligned teaching and learning experiences as other students, while benefiting from targeted, individualised support.
SLP students participate in programs that develop:
- Social-emotional skills
- Communication
- Self-advocacy
- Adaptive life skills
Collaboration and Family Partnerships
Families and caregivers are essential partners in our student’s learning journey.
Our staff maintain strong relationships with families through regular communication, consultation and goal-setting.
Together, we ensure that programs continue to meet each student’s individual strengths, challenges and support needs.
Community Involvement
We value the strong sense of community that surrounds our program.
Each term, we hold SLP Parent and Carer Coffee Mornings, which include:
- Updates on what’s happening in each hub room
- Insights into SLP documentation (e.g. operational plans, scope and sequences, data tracking)
- Guest speakers such as behaviour support analysts, high school transition teachers, and other professionals providing strategies and information based on parent interest and feedback
This connection builds shared understanding, collaboration and a sense of belonging between home and school.
Transition Support
To ensure a smooth transition for students starting a new school year or even a new school, we have developed a comprehensive transition plan.
This includes:
- Five half-day transition visits
- One full-day visit
- Parent/carer information sessions
- Parent/carer SLP welcome pack
- An SLP picnic afternoon
These experiences help students and families feel confident and supported as they prepare for the next stage of schooling.
In Summary
The Specialised Learning Program at Marangaroo Primary School is a nurturing, inclusive and empowering environment that celebrates neurodiversity and fosters success.
Through strong collaboration between staff, families and students, we ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential — academically, socially and emotionally.