Your Guide to Enrolling at Biala School: FAQs for Parents

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent—especially when you’re seeking a supportive, inclusive, and specialised learning environment. At Biala School, we understand that journey, because our school was founded in 1969 by local families looking for a better way to support their children with disabilities.

Today, Biala School continues to provide high-quality, individualised education to students aged 4–18 years across Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. We’re here to support parents and caregivers every step of the way. In this guide, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you feel confident about enrolling your child.

Who Enrols at Biala School?

Our student community includes young people with a variety of diagnoses, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities. All our students require an extensive level of educational support, which we provide through a highly individualised and holistic approach.

Is Biala School a government school?

No. Biala School is an Independent School and part of the Association of Independent Schools NSW. This allows us to offer greater flexibility and tailor our educational delivery to suit each child’s needs.

What curriculum do you deliver?

We teach the NSW Curriculum from PK–6, and from Years 7–12, we deliver the NSW Life Skills Curriculum. Our curriculum is adjusted and individualised for each student, guided by a personalised Individualised Education Plan (IEP). This approach ensures that every student can access meaningful learning experiences.

What are your class sizes and staff ratios?

We believe smaller class sizes make a big difference. At Biala, classes typically include 6–10 students, with one dedicated class teacher and at least one support staff member. This model allows for personalised instruction and strong student-teacher relationships.

What supports are available for my child?

Biala provides extensive supports including:

• Specialised equipment
• Health and personal care support
• Sensory-friendly environments
• Integrated therapy including speech and occupational therapy
• Social-emotional learning through our Positive Behaviour Support framework

This combination of academic, therapeutic, and personal care support allows each student to thrive in their own way.

What are the enrolment requirements?

To enrol your child, we will ask for:

• A disability diagnosis from a medical professional
• Current allied health assessments (within the past 2 years)
• Medical reports
• Birth and immunisation certificates
• Other relevant documents (e.g. hearing or vision reports, IEPs)

Our team is here to guide you through this process and help make it as stress-free as possible.

Do you offer extracurricular activities?

Yes! Biala students enjoy a wide variety of enriching experiences including:

• Peer support programs with mainstream schools
• Community access outings
• Swimming, sports, and Riding for the Disabled
• Art and music programs

Plus, our After School Club, funded through the NDIS, provides social activities and after-school care for both Biala students and those from other local support schools.

How does Biala support social and emotional wellbeing?

Our inclusive learning model promotes a safe, calm, and sensory-friendly environment. We offer:

• Behaviour support plans
• Social skills activities
• Communication tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• A strong emphasis on student voice and choice

Is technology used in learning?

Absolutely. We incorporate a range of assistive technologies and digital tools into our curriculum to support diverse learning styles and help students engage meaningfully with the world around them.

What is the school’s fee structure?

As an Independent School, Biala’s Annual School Fee contributes to essential resources for the school to optimise the delivery of quality teaching and learning for all students. Our Annual School Fee is reviewed each year by Biala’s Board of Directors and communicated with families. Biala’s Annual School Fee is $1,600 (as of 2025). Sibling discounts are available, and families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to speak with us about flexible payment options.

How do you communicate with families?

We value our partnership with parents. Families are kept up to date via platforms like Compass and Class Dojo, and are invited to attend weekly assemblies, classroom visits, and regular meetings with staff.

How can families get involved in school activities?

Biala views itself as an extension of the home environment, emphasising strong partnerships with families and the community. This collaboration ensures a consistent support system, addressing students’ emotional needs effectively.

Why Families Choose Biala?

Biala School is more than just a place of learning—it’s a community built on inclusion, understanding, and genuine care. Here, students are encouraged to grow, express themselves, and build lifelong skills in a safe, calm, and supportive environment.

If you’re seeking a school where your child will be celebrated for who they are and given every opportunity to thrive, we’d love to welcome you to the Biala family.

Contact us today to learn more or book a school tour:

Phone: (02) 6686 4763

Website: www.biala.org.au

Let us show you how Biala School can make a difference in your child’s educational journey.