Our 12 month specialised program is completed over four school terms. Children may commence in any term and will experience the full Cheshire program over the 12 months they are with us. This ensures that at various times of the year, our new children meet and are inspired by those graduating from the program who then become excellent role models for the new students.
Cheshire provides a comprehensive intervention model of curriculum aligned to the student’s mainstream school program. A Program Support Group is established for each student where individual needs are identified. An extensive and flexible range of instructional strategies and methodologies are provided to meet the learning needs of the students.

Curriculum
The Cheshire curriculum incorporates the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and Values Education to provide a working structure for learning outcomes and to support a smooth transition back into the mainstream school system. An integrated curriculum approach is practised which supports the students learning, behaviour and emotional development. The curriculum is implemented according to the goals as identified by the Program Support Group.
Excursions and special events are an integral part of the curriculum as they provide a meaningful, ‘hands on’ context for the students’ learning and opportunities to practise and develop social skills in the wider community. Parents/guardians are expected to attend special events held during the term, as this is an important opportunity for them to witness their child’s progress and achievements at the school.

Program Support Group
The Program Support Group plans and develops the student’s program. Membership of this group will vary for each student but in most cases the student’s parents/guardians, classroom teacher, Program Leader and other professionals will be requested to participate. In order to identity the content and direction of the student’s program, members of the Parent Support Group will work through a collaborative approach. It is this information that will guide the classroom teacher in planning a student-focused program. Meetings are held each term and parents/guardians are expected to attend.

Support
Parents are encouraged to meet with the school counsellor and/or Program Leader to identify needs, prioritise goals and make plans for behavioural change within the home environment. There will be times during the term when parents/guardians will be required to attend parent information sessions.

Individual Education Plan
The individual Education Plan is prepared by the student’s support group and outlines the curriculum direction for the student. The information contained within the document outlines the current strategies for home and school.

Transition Back to Mainstream School/Referral
The Cheshire School provides a program of intervention. With this in mind, transition back into a mainstream school or referral to an alternative setting is the program’s priority. Students are taught self management strategies in a supportive environment, which assists in their smooth and successful reintegration into a mainstream school setting.

Families are assisted in making appropriate schooling choices for their child.