Student support and wellbeing
Find out what support your child can expect at school, from support workers to wellbeing programs.
Our public schools offer supports to help your child learn and thrive at school.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child, always contact the school in the first instance. Many issues can be resolved with help from the classroom teacher or principal.
For students who need more complex or specialist support, our schools offer a range of services. These include:
- allied health professionals
- school psychologists
- wellbeing programs.
Some schools also have access to youth workers. School health nurses are often available in our high schools.
We also support our schools to manage behaviours that can affect students' wellbeing. Read about behaviour at school and bullying.
How your child can get support
If a teacher or other staff member notices that your child may need extra help, they may:
- speak to you about what services your school provides
- ask your permission before referring your child to allied health, school psychology or other health and wellbeing programs.
If ongoing or more specialised help is needed, schools may suggest you:
- arrange care through a GP or private provider
- contact community services in our region.
If you are concerned about your child, contact the school to discuss what supports are available.
Clinical Practice teams
Clinical Practice teams offer a variety of services. They may provide these to:
- a single student
- a group of students
- the whole school, in the form of advice or guidance.
A range of professional support staff help the teams with this work.
Our Clinical Practice teams include:
Allied Health Assistants
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) work under the supervision of an allied health professional.
Their role may:
- deliver intervention programs or therapy groups
- prepare resources
- help deliver professional learning to school staff.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists (OTs) work with schools to improve a student’s ability to access and take part in their education.
They work with schools to help students:
- get ready for learning
- safely use equipment
- manage their self-care
- develop fine motor skills
- manage sensory and emotional regulation.
They can also provide advice to the school on practical issues, such as installing ramps and wheelchair access.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists support schools to remove barriers to learning in the areas of mobility, movement and wellbeing.
They work with schools, families, private therapists and external providers to:
- support mobility and gross motor skill development
- enable safe use of specialised equipment
- provide appropriate positioning and movement activities.
School psychologists
School psychologists focus on students' wellbeing for learning. In their role, they may address:
- learning issues
- social, emotional or behaviour concerns
- barriers to students attending or taking an active part in ACT public schools.
Some psychologists are based at schools. Others work in teams offering services across school sites.
They will often connect students or families with other services, either through the school or with an external provider.
Speech Language Pathologists
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) help schools meet the needs of students with:
- additional communication needs, such as help with speaking or listening
- mealtime (eating and drinking) needs.
They work closely with schools to deliver strategies that help the whole school and/or individual classes.
Social workers
Social workers help students and families improve engagement and participation in education, through:
- support and advocacy
- goal setting to improve wellbeing.
They work with schools to build their understanding of available services and wellbeing supports for students.
Youth workers
Youth workers help schools:
- coordinate whole of school events
- facilitate small group programs that promote wellbeing and positive behaviour
- connect students and their families to support services
- provide targeted support for students with specific needs.
Other health and wellbeing programs
ACT public schools offer a range of other programs and services to support students’ health and wellbeing. Contact your school to find out what's available.
School Youth Health Nurse Program
The School Youth Health Nurse (SYHN) Program has a strong focus on health promotion and early intervention.
It supports the health and wellbeing of high school students as they transition into adulthood. The program aims to:
- promote positive health outcomes for young people and their families
- provide access to a health professional in the school setting
- offer a whole-of-school approach to modern health and social issues facing young people
- play an important role in referring to appropriate health care providers.
For more details, contact your school.
National Student Wellbeing Program
The Australian Government funds the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) to support ACT schools.
It provides funding for a student wellbeing officer or, in some Catholic and independent schools, a chaplain.
The NSWP works alongside existing school and health services. It does not replace specialist support, such as counselling or mental health services.
Read more about the National Student Wellbeing Program.
Period products in public schools
Free period products are available from the front office of ACT public schools. Pads are available in primary schools. Pads and tampons are available in high schools and colleges.
Find out more about free period products.
Resources for parents
Videos
Watch our short videos on YouTube to learn how to support your child if they feel anxious.
Podcasts
Help your child practise mindfulness with our short podcasts on Spotify.
Each one is 3 to 4 minutes and uses the 5 senses to help children feel calm and focused.
Support services
Discover a dedicated portal for ACT children and young people (up to 25 years of age) to:
- help navigate Canberra’s mental health system
- find the right service and support.
Visit the MindMap (ACT Youth Portal).
Support for young carers
Young carers provide unpaid help to family members or friends who have a physical or mental health condition and need extra support with daily living tasks.
We are committed to ensuring young carers are well supported so they can attend school and remain engaged in their learning.
Explore these resources and supports for young carers: