The Lawson program is a short-term, intensive educational and transition support program delivered by Rivendell School, a NSW Department of Education School for Specific Purposes (SSP), in close collaboration with the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Unit.

Students first enter the program through a Sydney Local Health District admission. Once admitted, Rivendell School provides a temporary educational enrolment to support their academic continuity and wellbeing during their stay. The program supports students in years 7 to 12 with complex mental health needs, such as anxiety, depression and school refusal, within a safe, structured and therapeutic learning environment.

The Rivendell Way: our approach

Everything we do is underpinned by The Rivendell Way—a whole-school framework that combines:

• cognitive load theory – supporting learning by breaking content into manageable, structured steps
• AVID pedagogy – strengthening academic confidence and independence through explicit teaching of writing, inquiry, collaboration, organisation, and reading (WICOR)
• the neurosequential model in education (NME) – promoting emotional regulation and relational safety so students can engage meaningfully with learning

This evidence-based approach helps students feel safe, supported and ready to re-engage with education at their own pace.

A personalised and supportive learning environment

• small homeroom class sizes with a maximum of 7 students
• each class is staffed by a dedicated teacher and a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO)
• every student has a Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLSP) and self-regulation plan tailored to their goals and emotional needs
• a balance of academic instruction and wellbeing support, including mindfulness, movement breaks, and access to sensory tools

Students in:

• years 7–10 attend the Learning Centre for core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and PDHPE)
• years 11–12 continue coursework from their home school or Sydney Distance Education High School (SDEHS)

All students remain enrolled at their census school under a shared enrolment arrangement.

Program phases: supporting growth and transition

1. building confidence & engagement
   helping students feel safe and capable in a structured classroom setting
2. pathway exploration
   collaborating with families and the health team to identify the best-fit future educational setting
3. gradual school integration
   coordinated transition plans are created with clear schedules, tailored adjustments and monitoring to support a successful return to school
4. exit & ongoing support
   planning for discharge ensures each student leaves with a supported next step—whether it’s returning to their home school, enrolling in another mainstream school or entering an SSP or alternative education pathway

Discharge decisions are made by the multidisciplinary health team based on clinical readiness, school engagement and emotional stability. In some cases, discharge may occur during school holidays or on short notice. Rivendell School works to ensure that families and schools are kept informed and supported throughout the process.

Connected support: families, schools & health

We view parents and carers as active partners in their child’s journey. This means:

• weekly communication updates about progress and next steps
• collaborative planning through PLSP meetings and case reviews
• opportunities to participate in support sessions and school events

A team of NSW Health and Department of Education professionals work together to ensure coordinated care across the young person’s clinical, social, and educational needs.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

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