Intensive interaction
Intensive Interaction is used as a strategy to support students’ social engagement, communication goals, and learning within English—specifically Speaking and Listening—or through the Personal and Social Capabilities of the Victorian Curriculum. Intensive Interaction is a teaching and learning approach designed to help people whose complex intellectual disabilities result in difficulties understanding and recognising language or how to interact socially. The focus is on providing opportunities for students to be supported to learn from frequent and successful experiences of the ‘Fundamentals of Communication’, which include enjoying being with other people; focussing attention on them; sharing a focus of attention; taking turns and exploring what communication with them might be. Staff and family members using this approach focus on sharing students’ interests to create motivating teaching and learning opportunities. Intensive Interaction teaches and develops social success through interaction and shared communication with someone who is already good at it and who works on the basis that engagement is the medium in which learning takes place.
Mental-Health Practitioner (MHP)
The role of our MHP focuses on helping students build resilience through evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and person-centred play therapy. These approaches support students and their families to navigate challenges while strengthening self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.
Resilience is central to
positive mental health and wellbeing.Through therapeutic relationships and strengths-based interventions, students are supported to:
Each child is supported according to their individual needs, promoting wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and independence.
Multi-Sensory Therapy
Bayside SDS has led Multi Sensory Therapy since 1998, creating Australia’s first Multi Sensory Environment Room based on evidence-based research. It supports priority students and those with sensory processing difficulties to engage and achieve Individual Education Plan goals. Programs are developed collaboratively by teachers, support staff, therapists, leadership, and the Mental Health Practitioner.
The Magic Room provides a controlled sensory environment tailored to individual needs. One-to-one sessions focus on sensory input, co-regulation strategies, and cause-and-effect learning using technology like the Magic Carpet—an interactive projection system responding to student movement. Hundreds of apps support educational goals, choice, and engagement. Wireless switches and i-click devices allow students to control sensory equipment, building transferable skills for adapted technologies. Popular items include bubble columns, fiber optics, star carpets, and robotic pets.
Therapeutic massage and aromatherapy further support sensory regulation and wellbeing. Each student has a personalized massage cream for use in sessions and classrooms. Additional tools include handheld and seated massagers, infrared heat, and tactile objects like fluid tiles and sensory flowers.
A ceiling hoist enables safe movement out of wheelchairs, promoting freedom, muscle use, and enjoyment.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy (OT) at Bayside SDS is all about helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully in school and everyday life. Our therapists work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and families to create programs that are practical, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs. We focus on areas such as self-care, fine and gross motor skills, sensory regulation, and life skills. This might include learning to dress independently, improving hand strength for writing, or building confidence through physical activities. We also support students in managing sensory input so they can stay calm and ready to learn. OT is delivered in many ways—through whole-class programs, small groups, and individual sessions. We also adapt environments and provide strategies for teachers and families to use across different settings. Environmental supports are an important part of our work, such as providing adapted cutlery for eating, specialized seating for posture and comfort, and tools that make everyday tasks easier and more accessible. Some of the programs we run include cooking sessions where students learn practical skills like measuring and mixing, a café program that teaches vocational skills such as serving and handling money, and bike riding to build coordination and road safety awareness. We also offer sensory circuits to help students regulate their bodies, handwriting groups to strengthen fine motor skills, and community access outings to practice navigating real-world environments. Technology skills, play-based learning, and personal care routines are also part of our approach. Our goal is to help every student build the skills and confidence they need to thrive—at school, at home, and in the community. Through meaningful activities and tailored support, we create opportunities for independence, participation, and lifelong learning.
Speech Pathology
At Bayside Special Developmental School, communication is central to learning, fostering independence and building connection and relationships. Our Speech Pathology team works alongside students, families, and staff to develop each students’ communication skills and ensure that every student has a voice.
Assessment is an important first step in understanding how each student communicates. We use tools designed for students with complex communication needs such as the Roadmap To Communication Competencies (ROCC) and the Triple C to identify current abilities, guide goal setting and monitor progress. These assessments provide a clear picture of students’ strengths and needs, helping us create individualised communication plans that promote success across school, home and community settings.
For students who benefit from additional support, we provide a wide range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options., These include
By offering a variety of AAC systems, we ensure that every student has access to the right tools to express their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Our Speech Pathologists work closely with teacher sand education support staff. Providing professional development and ongoing coaching to build communication rich classrooms. This includes modelling AAC use, creating visual supports, supporting language development and embedding communication goals into daily routines and learning activities across the school day.
Through individual therapy, small group and classroom collaboration, out Speech Pathology service empowers students to develop communication skills that enhance learning, participation and social connection. Together we create an inclusive environments where every student is supported to communicate, learn and thrive.
Swimming and Water Safety
Our school’s swimming program provides all students with the opportunity to participate in regular aquatic learning in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Conducted onsite, the program places a strong emphasis on water safety, water awareness, and the development of essential swimming skills that promote confidence and independence in and around the water. Lessons are tailored to meet individual needs and abilities, ensuring every student can experience success and make progress at their own pace. The program is delivered by a swimming teacher who is both Life Saving Victoria and AUSTSWIM qualified, bringing specialist expertise in water safety education and swimming instruction. Through engaging and practical learning experiences, students develop valuable lifelong skills that contribute to their safety, wellbeing, and participation in community life.
