Learning Supports – be an ‘elastic band’ in the classroom 2025048F

Date and time

Thursday 16 October 2025, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm

Delivery mode

In person at ISV, 40 Rosslyn St, West Melbourne

Audience

School Learning Support Officers

Description

An elastic band is stretchable and flexible. It can create space when needed, or close the gap when appropriate. How can we use this analogy to inform support for our students?

This presentation will be user-friendly and engaging, with a strong focus on developing student independence and well-being. It will cover the challenges an LSO may face, how to navigate student goals, working within the classroom teaching team and clarity regarding their role and boundaries. 

The overarching goal will be to improve LSO confidence in supporting a student’s independence and coping skills.

Learning Support staff make a significant difference to a student’s learning and coping skills at school. Investing in educating and upskilling LSOs to be goal oriented and confident in their work, will have a flow on effect for their students and classroom teachers. This learning event includes practical knowledge that can be applied immediately empowering educators and supporting students

Key takeaways

• practical strategies to support independence and coping skills and managing a team approach to student supports.
• knowledge about the role and the responsibility of an LSO – managing differing opinions and expectations
• further understanding of the importance of supporting a student’s independence at school
• awareness of triggers that may increase challenging/distress behaviours in a school context and what can be changed environmentally to support these students
• exploration of proactive and reactive planning
• strategies to manage the impacts on others – peers, teachers, who may also be affected.
• increased confidence in having tricky conversations and rather than having a sense of dread, approach these with confidence and clarity.

Presenter information

Emma-Rose Parsons      

Emma-Rose Parsons is a psychologist, speaker and board-approved supervisor who opened Spectrum House in 2008. She works both in private clinical practice and with schools, assisting teaching teams to find solutions to mental health concerns in the education environment. She enjoys giving interactive and lively presentations, which are practical and meaningful.