Inclusion

At Wantirna College, Inclusion is at the heart of our values and everyday practice. With the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Reforms, we have strengthened our ability to provide comprehensive support for students across Years 7–12. Our Inclusion team works closely with families, allied health professionals, teachers, and education support staff to ensure adjustments are in place both in and out of the classroom. We recognise that each young person’s journey is unique, and we work closely with families and allied health professionals to understand individual needs, including supporting those who are seeking or undergoing formal assessments.

We deliver tailored supports for students with a Disability Inclusion Profile, as well as coordinate Tier 2 programs such as Connect, RAGE, Circuit, Ignite Literacy, and Quicksmart Numeracy. These targeted interventions build skills in communication, resilience, literacy, numeracy, assistive technology, executive function and re-engagement.  Inclusion at Wantirna College is more than a program—it is a collaborative commitment.

Assessments

At Wantirna College, we know that when a young person is struggling at school, parents want clear answers and practical support. While our capacity to carry out assessments is limited, our Inclusion team focuses on understanding how a student learns, gathering classroom information, and providing teachers with strategies that make an immediate difference—often without the need for formal testing.

In some cases, a cognitive assessment through the Department of Education may be considered, though this is only available under specific circumstances and often involves long waiting times. Many families therefore explore private assessments, which, while involving a cost, can usually be completed more quickly and provide detailed guidance for both school and home. Our team can explain the types of assessments available, offer advice on whether a private assessment may be worthwhile, and help families understand how results can be used to shape effective supports.

Most importantly, we don’t wait for an assessment to act. Teachers and support staff make adjustments as soon as concerns are identified, ensuring that every student is given the chance to learn and succeed. Inclusion at Wantirna College is about removing barriers and supporting students to thrive, regardless of whether a formal assessment has been completed.

Disability Inclusion Profile

At Wantirna College, we know parents want clarity about how school funding works when their child needs a high level of support. One key part of this process is the Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP), used across Victorian government schools to identify student needs and determine what resources may be available. The DIP is a structured conversation that focuses on strengths, areas of need, and the adjustments required to help a student grow—rather than on labels.

If a student has been receiving significant adjustments over a long period, the school may initiate a DIP. Families don’t need to apply; we will contact you if we believe your child may be eligible. A facilitator then brings parents, school staff, and the student together to discuss 31 areas of functional need and from this, a detailed profile is created, which may allow the school to apply for additional resources. Even when additional resources are not available, the profile itself provides valuable guidance for teachers on how best to support your child. At Wantirna College, we value the DIP process because it ensures families and schools work in partnership, creating a consistent understanding of a student’s needs and the adjustments that will help them succeed. Above all, it keeps the focus on supporting every student to learn and thrive.