Schools, Special Options Placements

In reply to Mr BOYER (Wright) (23 November 2020). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): I have been advised of the following:

At the conclusion of the 2020 school year, there were 37 eligible students who were unable to be offered a place in a specialised education option for the 2021 school year. All students have a transition plan to ensure they are well supported in a mainstream class. This compares to 88 at the same period in 2019. Data has only been centrally collected since 2019. Analysis of historical data suggests there were 260 in 2018 and 285 in 2017 that were unable to be offered a place for the following school year.

For the northern and southern metropolitan areas:

Northern

There were no students who were unable to be offered a place in junior primary special options.

There were five students who were unable to be offered a place in primary special options. All students were recommended for a special class placement.

There were two students who were unable to be offered a place in secondary special options. Both students were recommended for a special class placement.

Southern

There were no students who were unable to be offered a place in junior primary and primary special options.

There were 22 students who were unable to be offered a place within secondary special options. Twenty were recommended for a special class and two recommended for a special unit/school placement.