Why host an Aspect Satellite classroom?
A recent Autism Awareness Australia National Parent and Carer Survey Report (2025) found that:
- 87.3% of parents worry about their child’s mental health and wellbeing at school.
- 61.3% report school refusal, often due to sensory and social challenges.
- Only 15.9% say their child is currently thriving in school.
These insights highlight the opportunity to strengthen inclusive practices and supports through collaborative partnerships.
Aspect works with partner schools to accommodate enrolments of children on the autism spectrum in our specialised satellite classrooms. These classrooms are fitted out to specialised design standards and managed by with highly trained Aspect teaching staff.
Who should consider hosting ?
How the program works
About our current partners
Who should consider hosting?
Aspect welcomes expressions of interest in hosting satellite classrooms from all school sectors in NSW and South Australia, this includes TAFE and University campuses.
In NSW, our current school system stretches from Coffs Harbour in the north to Wollongong in the south and Albury in the south west.
In SA, we are located in Ashford, as Aspect Treetop School
Aspect Administrative Location
Aspect Base School
Aspect Service Location
Aspect Satellite Class
How the program works
Establishing classrooms
Satellite classrooms are usually established in either an existing surplus space at the host school, or in an Aspect-provided demountable classroom. Aspect’s property team consult on modifications that are funded by Aspect under agreed terms. Where possible, we encourage establishment of two adjoined classrooms to allow for growth.
Overseen by a local Aspect Principal, classrooms are staffed by trained teachers and teachers’ aides at a ratio of 2 adults: 6-9 students
Integration
Aspect students wear the local uniform, participate in community events and are a part of the school community as a whole. This arrangement has proved to be very successful in providing transitions towards the host school enrolment program over time, as well as providing a local choice for parents of Autistic children not ready for a mainstream setting.
Student transitions
When it is time to transition, Aspect students generally transition to their local mainstream school. In some instances, the student’s preferred school will be the host school.
Individual Transition Plans (ITP) outline how follow-up support will be conducted for the first 12 months of the student’s transition into their new school. Parents/carers are provided with information packs as part of the transition process and are invited to participate in exit surveys.
Governance
Satellite classrooms are generally governed by a Licence over a period of 5 years and issued by our partner school or system. Aspect pays fees accordingly.Within Licence terms, clear protocols are established between host and Aspect Principals.
Community impact
Satellite classrooms bring beneficial impacts across communities.
| Students | Families | School Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Thrive in safe, structured spaces | Feel heard and supported | Gain tools for inclusive teaching |
| Build emotional resilience | Avoid long travel and uncertainty | Engage confidently with the school |
| Connect with peers | Engage confidently with the school | Lead in inclusive practice |
About our current partners
Our history of partnership
Aspect has been proud to partner across sectors and regions since 1967.
Our current partners
FAQs
1. How can partnering with Aspect benefit our school community?
Partnering with Aspect brings a wealth of expertise in autism-specific education directly into your school. It enhances your school’s capacity to support diverse learners, strengthens inclusive practices, and provides access to specialist staff and resources. This collaboration not only benefits Autistic students but also enriches the learning environment for all students and supports professional growth for your staff.
2. What professional development does Aspect offer our staff?
Aspect provides ongoing professional learning in autism-friendly practices, inclusive teaching strategies, and data-informed instruction—building staff confidence and capability across the school.
3. What support do teachers receive in managing diverse learning needs?
Partner schools gain access to Aspect’s specialist teachers, therapists, and case management systems. This includes coaching, shared planning, and instructional support tailored to student needs.
4. How do Aspect satellite classrooms integrate with our school?
Satellite classrooms are co-located on the school site. Students wear the school uniform, join events, and participate in shared activities—strengthening community ties and promoting inclusion.
5. Can our school influence the integration process?
Yes. Integration activities are collaboratively planned, documented, and tailored to each student. Schools help shape protocols, shared spaces, and communication strategies to ensure success.
6. How does Aspect support student transitions?
Aspect manages transitions with Individual Transition Plans, follow-up support, and collaboration with host schools—ensuring smooth movement into mainstream settings when appropriate.
7. What are the governance and financial arrangements?
Partnerships are governed by a Licence agreement (3–10 years). Aspect pays an annual classroom fee and manages staffing, property, and compliance responsibilities.
8. What infrastructure is required from our school?
Aspect prefers access to two classrooms (8m x 8m), with proximity to playgrounds, parking, and amenities. They can provide demountables if needed and handle fit-out and maintenance.
9. Do partner schools receive priority on new student enrolments?
Yes they do, subject to Aspect staff’s observation of the new student and assessment of their suitability for the satellite classroom or associated main site.
