Bayside Special Developmental School (SDS) is located in Moorabbin, in Melbourne’s south-east approximately 15 kilometres from the CBD. The school was established in 1986 and was re-built at the end of 2019. The purpose built design has created a welcoming and highly inclusive school environment. The new build has provided us with bright and open classrooms, a shared courtyard and separate play spaces for each area of the school.
Facilities include our home economics/café space, an art room, a sensory therapy room, an engine room (Occupational Therapy space), our gym, hydrotherapy area, a library, large open outdoor spaces, our student garden and professional learning facilities.
Bayside SDS provides a range of educational and therapeutic programs for school aged students aged 5 to 18 years, who have moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. A number of students have multiple disabilities including autism, physical or sensory impairments and conditions requiring medical interventions and management.
Our Early Education Program (EEP) provides for students from 2.8 years up to school age, and our regular Friday morning playgroup provides for parents and carers to join their children as an introduction to our programs.
Bayside SDS provides a curriculum based on the F-10 Victorian Curriculum and includes the ‘Towards Foundation Level Curriculum’, within levels A to D. This provides students with access to curriculum content and standards that enable progression toward the learning described at Foundation level. Levels A to D focus on progressing students from awareness to intentional engagement in learning. All students have a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP), based on their learning areas and levels of development.
Bayside SDS has created an environment where student wellbeing and learning are equally addressed and recognised as fundamental pillars of a thriving and inclusive school culture. This commitment ensures that every student feels safe, supported, and has agency to enjoy success.
Vision
At Bayside SDS, we lead with creativity, collaboration, and care- within a culture where every student, educator, and family feels valued and supported. We empower students through personalised, inclusive learning and strong community connections, nurturing belonging and wellbeing.
Mission
Our mission is to provide every student with the strongest possible foundation for life. We deliver high-quality, individualised learning plans that nurture each student’s unique strengths and promote the development of essential life skills, personal and social capabilities, and lifelong learning. Through a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, we foster independence through education and uphold high expectations for every learner to thrive.
Values
Wellbeing and Respect
At Bayside SDS, wellbeing and respect are central to our school culture. We honour every student’s voice, value their choices, and nurture their futures. We assume competence and interest in every learner, recognising that understanding and connection matter more than performance.
We prioritise student wellbeing through strong relationships, monthly wellbeing check-ins, School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Our trauma-informed approach acknowledges that simply arriving at school may carry a significant cognitive load for some students, and we respond with compassion, care, and consistency.
Respect is reflected in how we know and value our students—supporting their independence, life skills, and personal growth. We build a school-wide understanding by acknowledging and learning from the insights of colleagues across years and roles. Kindness is our language, and connection is our culture.
Through inclusive practices, high expectations, and a commitment to duty of care, we create a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Collaboration and Excellence
At Bayside SDS, collaboration is at the heart of our learning culture, driving excellence in everything we do. We embrace a multidisciplinary approach where staff across departments, roles, and levels work together to support student success. Through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), inclusive representation in teams like OHS, and mutual respect for the knowledge and experience of colleagues, we ensure every voice is heard and valued.
We actively build partnerships with families, external agencies, and the broader community to enrich learning and expand opportunities. Communication tools like Seesaw and Student Support Group (SSG) meetings strengthen our connection with families, while community access programs and our school website promote visibility and engagement beyond the classroom.
By recognising and using the diverse skills of our team, and fostering trust through shared knowledge and experience, we create a confident, connected school community. Collaboration fuels innovation, accountability, and excellence in teaching and learning.
Innovation and Creativity
At Bayside SDS, we value innovation and creativity as essential drivers of student engagement and learning. We foster curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving—encouraging staff to explore new and inclusive ways of delivering educational content that meets the diverse needs of our learners.
Our commitment to differentiation and modification ensures accessibility for all students, while small, thoughtful choices are recognised for their powerful impact. Staff are responsive to the needs of both students and colleagues, working collaboratively through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to reflect, adapt, and grow.
We support professional development, empowering staff to expand their knowledge and refine their practice. Innovation is also guided by strategic direction, with a shared commitment to “Bayside it”—tailoring ideas to suit our unique school context.
Shared leadership is embedded across the school, with roles and responsibilities distributed to harness the strengths of all staff. This collaborative approach ensures that innovation is driven by diverse perspectives and collective expertise.
Through flexibility, creativity, and collaboration, we create a dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive.
