We are Andale
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About
Established in 1981 and nestled in the friendly suburb of Kew, Andale School is an independent primary school. We support children with complex learning needs who benefit from small class sizes and higher student to teacher ratios than are offered in mainstream schools. We adapt and deliver the Victorian Curriculum as well as focus on supporting our students’ development and growth personally, socially and academically.
Through rigorous assessment processes, Andale School teachers identify students’ strengths, set learning goals and implement adjustments to support students through each step in their learning journey. Through student support group meetings, we develop individual education plans for each student so we can plan learning programs tailored to each student’s needs. Our education programs develop independence, resilience, and confidence as well as personal and interpersonal capabilities. We empower our students with the courage to be themselves and the skills to thrive.
We value each child and strive to ensure that every student feels that they are an important member of our community.
Be yourself.
Everybody else is already taken.
Oscar Wilde
About Andale
At Andale School we know that each child is a unique learner. We believe that the development of academic skills is interdependent with the development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills. We recognise and acknowledge the skills and expertise of our teachers, specialist teachers, allied health professionals and education support staff. Regular communication within our interdisciplinary team supports the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of our students. Our dedicated teachers adapt materials, strategies, activities, and expectations to enable our students to reach their potential.
Our school is unique in the Melbourne education landscape. We would be proud and delighted to share it with you.
To be eligible to attend Andale School, students meet the following criteria:
Age Criteria
Andale School is primary school. The minimum age of students is five years old. The maximum age is thirteen years old, and the child should be no older than eleven years at the time of enrolment. Allocation to a class is not based on age alone. The school will decide which class is most appropriate for the student.
Gender Criteria
Andale School is co-educational.
Date of Application
Admissions may be prioritised based on the date of application.
Learning Needs Criteria
Andale students have individual developmental, language and learning needs. They often find it difficult to learn effectively in a mainstream school environment. Please refer to the Enrolment Criteria.
Education Empowered
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower students by providing them with access to a wholistic education experience. By supporting students to overcome their individual challenges, we enable them to learn and grow to their full potential.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe and orderly learning environment within which primary aged children with complex learning needs can engage in learning and achieve to the best of their ability. Our small class sizes and high staff to student ratios provides every child with the care and attention they need to thrive at school.
Our Values
We strive to create a happy, child safe learning environment by living our school values everyday – CAReS:
- Courageous
- Authentic
- Respectful
- Safe.
Our School Philosophy
The school’s approach to education stems from an understanding of the whole child and enables learning across all developmental domains: social and emotional, cognitive, language/communication and physical. We believe that when children feel safe and secure, they can engage in learning, and that engagement in learning is the foundation of achievement.
Child Safety
All children have the right to feel safe and to be safe all the time. The welfare of the children at Andale School is our priority.
Curriculum
We deliver the Victorian Curriculum levels A-D and F-6. The curriculum is modified to meet the needs of our learners.
Message from
the president
Welcome to Andale! My name is Glen Draper, and I am proud to serve as the Andale School Council President.
In 2017, my son began his educational journey at Andale and completed his final year in 2023. The growth and confidence he developed over the years have prepared him well for his senior school journey. Our family is forever thankful to all the Andale staff (past and present) who supported him along this journey.
My commitment to Andale extends far beyond my role as President. I have been a part of the Andale Council since 2018 and had the honour of serving as President in 2019 and 2020. I am deeply dedicated to offering my voluntary time and guidance to the school, as a small token of appreciation for what Andale has provided for our son and family.
The Andale Council is a dynamic group of volunteers, each bringing a unique blend of experience, independence, and current family membership. We are proud to be engaged and committed to providing good governance and support to the School Principal and Staff of Andale. Our clear focus is to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children and their families, and we strive to create an environment that fosters growth and learning.
I extend a warm invitation to you to reach out to the school on 03 9853 3911 or via email at andaleschool@andale.vic.edu.au . Whether you seek more information, wish to arrange a tour, or are interested in offering your support to our exceptional school, we welcome your involvement. Your engagement and support are vital to our continued success.
Glen Draper, President
History
The inspiring results of a motor sensory exercise program, run by the ANSUA Centre, laid the foundations for Andale School. In 1981, ANSUA created a primary school for children so that they could be taught at their own level, without mainstream expectations. With just 12 students, Andale School was formed. In 1987 Andale moved to the family-friendly suburb of Kew. Since 1997, the Uniting Church has generously leased us our beautiful school grounds.
We are a small, nimble urban school nestled in the calm and leafy suburb of Kew. A not-for-profit school, Andale has a strong network of support from local and government bodies which helps us evolve and develop our school community.
Our future is exciting; one which supports the personal growth of our students and the sustainable growth of our community. We look forward to seeing our school community thrive for generations to come.
Students of Andale
Andale School Values (CARES) and Learner Dispositions
- I am Courageous – I try my best
- I am Authentic – I am me
- I am REspectful – I use friendly words and actions
- I am Safe – I make good choices
Andale students have complex individual and specific developmental and learning needs.
Andale students benefit from the school’s calm classroom routines, its structured learning programs and its supportive and nurturing environment.
Andale students work with their teachers and the school’s support staff towards achieving their developmental and learning goals. Andale students can communicate with their teachers and other students, follow simple directions in the classroom and playground, and conduct themselves with some degree of independence and self-regulation.
An enrolment offer depends upon a suitable vacancy being available. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Enrolment offers are at the discretion of the Principal, whose responsibility it is to ensure that the enrolment process is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory.
Andale School has an Enrolment Policy which can be found on the School’s website. https://andale.vic.edu.au/enrolment/
Andale students may have one or more diagnosed conditions, including those listed below:
- A diagnosed speech/language/communication disorder
and/or - A diagnosis of a specific learning disorder (SLD)
and/or - A diagnosis of mild to moderate communication and social difficulties (ASD)
and/or - A diagnosed borderline intellectual disability (FSIQ70-84) or mild intellectual disability (FSIQ 55-69).
In addition, Andale students are able to demonstrate satisfactory levels of independence and behaviour including:
- The ability to independently meet their own personal care needs, including toileting and eating
- The ability to follow at least a one-step instruction and to engage in learning activities with some independence
- The ability to respond to assistance and support
- The ability to usually regulate their behaviour and act in a safe manner around other children and staff
- The ability to remain in the classroom/learning area with a teacher.
The students at Andale School are vulnerable learners. Many students have experienced bullying and social exclusion in other education settings. Students must be able to act in a safe manner around their peers.
The school’s programs may not be suitable for students with behavioural disorders.
Teachers of Andale
Our teachers are incredibly passionate and skilled educators who are highly trained in Special Education. Andale teachers understand that learning orientation and styles differ greatly, and they apply diverse teaching methods to engage and enrich learning. Andale teachers know that each student is extraordinary, and that each student can learn. Andale teachers empower our students and help them to see themselves as successful learners.
Allied Health Staff
Andale School provides speech therapy, psychology, and occupational therapy services to students. Allied health staff work in the classrooms alongside our teachers to support student engagement and learning in a multi-disciplinary approach.
The allied health team do not provide individual therapy for students. Parents/carers are encouraged to access private services for children outside school. External clinicians provide recommendations that are considered in the development of individual education plans.