Please note that SIDE referrals have now closed for the 2025 school year. In the interim please discuss alternative learning solutions with your current school.
Enrolment in the program is a short-term alternative to regular schooling.
Students in Pre-Primary through to Year 10 need to be working with a school-based case manager (and external clinician) towards re-engagement with their current school or an alternative program.
Depending on the circumstances, students in Year 11 and 12 may transfer to SIDE or stay engaged with their current School
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What circumstances are considered appropriate for enrolment in the Referral Program?
- significant medical or chronic health conditions
- severe and ongoing mental health challenges
- pregnancy or parenting responsibilities
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How do I know if a student might be eligible?
- The student is unable to attend school at all (or an alternative program) for an extended period, generally three months or more, AND
- The student is engaged in ongoing and regular counselling, specialist treatment or other appropriate intervention. The student’s treating clinician or specialist will be consulted to assist in establishing eligibility and to determine whether the SIDE program is suitable for the student. Documentation will be requested following the consultation.
- The student has a fast, reliable internet connection and a computer running Windows 10 or 11, or an Apple MacOS 10.15 or later. Devices such as iPads, Windows 10S, Android tablets, or Chromebooks are not fully compatible with our online platforms. Students should also have the necessary software installed, along with a USB headset with microphone, webcam, printer, scanner, and data storage.
- The student must have a SIDE Supervisor who is responsible for overseeing their studies, providing duty of care, and supporting their learning each school day. The Supervisor maintains regular communication with SIDE teachers and may be a parent, carer, or another responsible adult who works closely with the student on a daily basis.
The student’s treating clinician or specialist will be consulted to assist in establishing eligibility and to determine whether the SIDE program is suitable for the student. Documentation will be requested following the consultation.
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Enrolment information
- Eligible students in Pre-Primary - Year 10, remain enrolled at their school while accessing SIDE’s Referral Program. SIDE works in partnership with the student’s current school.
- Please be aware that if the student is enrolled from a Non-Government school there are charges associated with the school partnership. Refer to Contributions & Charges on the school website.
- Students in Years 11-12 enrolling in SIDE’s Referral Program generally transfer to SIDE at the beginning of Semester 1 or 2 as a Current-roll/Home-based student.
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Applications for the Referral Program
Referral Program applications should be submitted by school-based staff responsible for student wellbeing and support. In most cases, this will be the
Deputy/Associate Principal or
Student Services Program Coordinator, as they are best placed to coordinate case management and provide the required supporting documentation.
Parents and caregivers who believe their child may benefit from the Referral Program are encouraged to speak with their child’s school in the first instance. The school will assess whether an application is appropriate and can guide the family through the process. If this is not possible, please call the SIDE Receptionist at 9311 1400 and ask to speak to the Referrals Team.
What information will be needed to complete the Referral Program Application Form?
To help us assess a student’s suitability for the Referral Program, the application form will require information in the following areas:
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1. School Case Manager
Provide the contact details of a staff member who will act as the student’s case manager at their current school. This may be a Year Coordinator, School Psychologist, Student Support Officer/Coordinator, Program Coordinator, or similar.
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2. Student Information
Be prepared to provide:
- Full name, date of birth, year level, and current enrolment status
- Cultural identity (e.g., Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander)
- You will also need to confirm that the student has been consulted and has agreed to engage with SIDE.
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3. Referral Reason
You’ll be asked to describe:
- The circumstances and barriers that have affected school attendance.
- Interventions that have been implemented and their outcomes.
- Any other services involved with the student.
- Any identified risk factors or safety concerns.
You’ll need to summarise:
- The student’s attendance over the past term (or longer)
- Efforts made by the school to support re-engagement
- Any alternative programs trialled or considered
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4. Health and Support Information
Be prepared to provide:
- Details of health professionals or agencies supporting the student
- The type of support provided (e.g., counselling, treatment)
- Information on any plans or diagnoses (e.g., medical letters, mental health care plans)
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5. Parent/Carer Involvement
You’ll be asked to confirm:
- Whether parents or carers are aware of and support the referral application
- Any relevant family context or custodial arrangements
- Whether the student has the necessary equipment at home to participate and engage with SIDE
- That the student will be supervised and supported in their learning by an appropriate adult for each school day
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6. Supporting Documentation
Once the application has been allocated to a team member, the School Case Manager or the family may be asked to provide:
- Relevant reports from treating professionals
- Attendance summaries
- Risk management plans or behaviour support documents, individual learning plans etc
