Response to the Inquiry into Petition No. 96 of 2021 to the South Australian Government: Funding for children and students with additional learning needs in public schools and preschools

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomed the opportunity to respond to the Inquiry into Petition No. 96 of 2021 to the South Australian Government: Funding for children and students with additional learning needs in public schools and preschools.

The APS is a strong advocate for increased investment in the early years and school settings to ensure optimal learning and development for all children and young people. We recommend that the South Australia Government:

• Invest in the sustained implementation of evidence-informed whole-school approaches with coordinated tiers of health promotion, targeted prevention, and early intervention support to ensure optimal wellness and learning for all students.
• Provide adequate personalised, inclusive and timely support for students with additional learning needs, including connecting with families, external and community support systems as and when needed.
• Increase investment in a highly skilled psychology workforce within schools to provide safe, effective support for South Australia children, families and educators.

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