About our school

Arndell School for Specific Purpose (SSP) is an Intensive Learning Support – Mental Health (ILSMH) setting within the NSW Department of Education. We provide specialised support for primary students with significant mental health and emotional needs, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment where every child is recognised, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.

Arndell offers a transitional program of up to one year in partnership with students' census schools. Students attend Arndell from Tuesday to Friday and their census schools on Mondays. During the program, Arndell staff work closely with the census school to provide ongoing support, ensuring a smooth transition back to the mainstream setting.

At Arndell School, we believe that every child has the potential to thrive when given the right support and guidance. We work closely with families, carers, support staff and census schools to create a Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLaSP) for each student. This ensures all students can learn in a way that suits them best.

Alongside our academic program, students develop a range of essential skills that help them grow emotionally, socially, and independently. These skills prepare them not only to succeed at school but also to confidently navigate life beyond the classroom.

Arndell School does not have a canteen, so we ask that families provide students with fruit for Crunch and Sip, a snack for recess, a packed lunch, and a plastic water bottle each day.

As part of our wellbeing program, we also offer a Breakfast Club for students who may be hungry after their journey to school. With guidance from staff, students are encouraged to prepare their own breakfast from a selection of cereal, toast, and—when available—fresh eggs from our school chickens. This routine helps students start the day well-nourished while also building independence and responsibility.

Key skills students learn at Arndell

Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Students develop the ability to understand and manage their emotions, cope with challenges, and bounce back from setbacks — building the confidence to engage positively in school and life.
Communication and Social Skills
Through structured learning and social programs, students improve how they express themselves, listen, collaborate, and build healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Independence and Life Skills
From participating in Breakfast Club routines to practical classroom responsibilities, students learn essential skills for daily life, fostering autonomy and self-reliance.
Confidence and Self-Awareness
Students are supported to recognise their strengths, set goals, and take pride in their achievements, helping them feel capable, connected, and ready to transition successfully back to their census school or next learning environment.
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Our school environment

At Arndell, we provide a safe and structured, and welcoming environment where students can focus on learning and personal growth. Our classrooms are designed to meet each student's individual needs, offering calm, organised spaces that support concentration, engagement, and emotional regulation.

Beyond the classroom, our school grounds provide opportunities for outdoor learning, social interaction, and physical activity. Students can enjoy play areas and open spaces that encourage movement, exploration, and connection with peers.

Our school pool is used for swimming lessons, wellbeing activities, and structured recreation, giving students the chance to develop water safety skills, confidence, and enjoyment in a supervised, safe setting.

We also have a sensory room, providing a calm, supportive space where students can regulate emotions, manage stress, and develop sensory awareness.

Every aspect of our school environment is carefully planned to ensure students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn, while fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Picture of the school playground
Picture of the school playground and sandpit
Picture of the school sensory room

picture of the school pool

The school playground

An Arndell classroom

Picture of the school courtyard

The school bus with children playing

Enrolment at Arndell School occurs through a formal placement process. If you believe our school may be the right fit for your child, families and schools are encouraged to contact us to discuss enrolment options. Learn more on our enrolment enquiries page.