NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Insights | Gibelli Positive Pathways
Providing mobile PBS and Functional Behaviour Assessments to families across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. While we support participants across multiple states, we are currently offering priority mobile capacity in Melbourne’s Western suburbs, including Melton, Werribee, and the Wyndham corridor.
As Melbourne families prepare for the first bell of 2026, the transition back to school can bring unique challenges. With the statewide completion of the Disability Inclusion rollout, discover practical, neuro-affirming strategies to support your child’s return to the classroom and learn how our mobile PBS team can collaborate with schools for a successful Term 1.
Calm Classrooms: Supporting a Smooth Transition to School in 2026
The January Transition
For many families in Melbourne, late January is a mix of excitement and "transition anxiety." For neurodivergent students or those with complex support needs, the shift from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured demands of a classroom can be a significant hurdle.
This year is particularly noteworthy as Victoria completes its statewide Disability Inclusion rollout. Whether your child is starting Prep at a local primary in Werribee or heading into secondary school in Melbourne’s north, the way support is structured has changed.
What’s New in Victorian Schools?
The move away from the old "Program for Students with Disabilities" (PSD) to the Disability Inclusion Profile means that support is now focused on strengths and functional needs rather than just a medical diagnosis.
As a Behaviour Support Practitioner, I see this as a positive shift. It allows us to collaborate with schools to create environments that adapt to the student, rather than forcing the student to mask or struggle in a one-size-fits-all setting.
3 Tips for a Low-Stress Term 1
To help your child start the year with confidence, consider these proactive strategies:
The "Social Narrative" Walkthrough: If possible, do a drive-by or a walk-through of the school grounds this week. Use a simple "Social Story" to explain what the first morning will look like—from the school gate to the coat rack.
Sensory Audits: New uniforms, scratchy tags, and noisy hallways can lead to sensory overload. Try on the uniform now to wash out any stiffness, and discuss "quiet zones" with the school teacher before the first bell rings.
Collaborative Communication: Reach out to your school’s Inclusion Coordinator. Sharing a copy of your current Behaviour Support Plan early ensures that teachers have the proactive strategies they need to prevent escalations before they happen.
How We Can Help
At Gibelli Positive Pathways, we specialise in school-based transitions. We work directly with Victorian teachers and families to translate clinical strategies into practical classroom adjustments.
If you feel your child’s school transition needs extra support, we have immediate capacity to provide mobile sessions across Melbourne and Greater Geelong to help set your child up for success.
Is your child ready for the first bell?
We offer school-based observations and teacher collaboration sessions to ensure your child's support plan is implemented effectively in the classroom.