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.