Easy read
Translation
Careers
Schools
Find an Aspect centre
Welcome to Aspect Vern Barnett School. We value each of our stakeholders within our community who help to make our school an open and collaborative environment for staff, families, students and supporters. At Aspect Vern Barnett School our students are celebrated for their strengths, interests and unique attributes.
A strong partnership is fostered with parents and it is through open communication that decisions are made about school activities and specific interventions regarding a child’s individual program.
Our teaching staff are dedicated to provide a stimulating curriculum whilst incorporating best evidence informed practice specific to autism. Programs are designed to motivate learning and engagement and each activity is differentiated to meet the student’s individual needs.
Students are encouraged to be the best version of themselves. Our goal is ensuring we support each student to become as independent as possible with a vision to establish skills for positive quality of life. Aspect focuses on a person-centred approach that underpins everything we do at Aspect Vern Barnett School.
We are proud of our school and the opportunities we provide for each enrolled student. Enrolment inquiries at primary school levels are welcome at any time. Our executive team will assist families in navigating this process. Aspect Vern Barnett does not currently host secondary school classes. Please direct enquiries for high school to: Aspect South East Sydney School or Aspect Western Sydney School
Anna Brady
Principal, Aspect Vern Barnett School
Aspect Vern Barnett School offers a range of services to support children on the autism spectrum and their families. It currently caters for approximately 121 students who are supported by a highly dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
Aspect Vern Barnett School was established in the 1970’s and was the first of the nine Aspect Schools. The school was established by its namesake Andrew Vern Barnett, who was driven by the need for an appropriate school to cater for his daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. Our school operates from our main site at Forestville which consists of an administration office and classes for primary students. The school also has satellite classes which are Aspect run and operated. They are located within a NSW Department of Education School at Lane Cove Public, and Catholic Primary Schools in Mona Vale, St Ives, Eastwood and Forestville.
Our specialised education program uses the Aspect Comprehensive Approach (ACA) to provide individualised programs that understand, engage and celebrate strengths, interests and aspirations of people on the autism spectrum. Class programs are delivered and supported by a team of teaching and non-teaching staff who continuously improve their knowledge and practice through ongoing professional learning and collaboration with colleagues.
We understand autism like no other school
Aspect has been leading the way in providing services to Autistic people for over 50 years - and we offer the largest autism-specific education program in Australia. Our students benefit from decades of experience and research into how best to support people on the autism spectrum. Everything we do is evidence-informed and aims to give students the best opportunities possible throughout their lives.
Get a great education, tailored to you
Aspect is a registered and accredited school with highly trained, capable teachers who are passionate about what they do. We follow the NSW curriculum and we carefully adapt learning and development based on each individual student's strengths and interests. Every student therefore has a positive experience that is personalised for them. We work with a student’s special interest areas to be able to motivate them to achieve their personal best.
A community where you'll feel right at home
We're more than just a school - we're a close-knit, caring community of families and carers who are experiencing similar things. When you join us, you'll have an instant support network to share your journey with Aspect and beyond. Together, we share experiences and advice and celebrate milestones and achievements.
Transition Approach
Aspect regards transition as a necessary part of every student’s educational journey. The primary focus of our school is to act as a transitional setting that builds on student’s skills and independence enabling them to transition to less specialised settings with comprehensive and personalised support. Approximately twenty percent of our students successfully transition each year.
Learn more about the process of enrolling in Aspect Schools.
Enrolment Information Sessions are held regularly throughout the year. The Information Session is for families who want to know more about our education program and the enrolment process. For the schedule of information sessions, please contact the school on:
Brochure
The Aspect Vern Barnett School was first built in 1971 and turned 50 years old in 2021, it was Aspect’s first autism-specific school and is of historical significance. Over the years there have been a number of small refurbishments and minor upgrades, however in 2020 we developed Aspect’s Capital Works Master Plan, Investing in Our Future, which is enabling us to undertake the most extensive renovations to the Vern Barnett School in its 50-year history.
The scope of works for the refurbishment included increasing the number of classrooms to increase student numbers, creating new landscaped and sensory playgrounds and incorporating autism-specific design improvements to support sensory requirements in the classroom. Our school has now been transformed with fifteen state-of-the-art classrooms, sensory areas, playgrounds, and more, all designed for autism-specific needs.
Thank you to all of our supporters who have contributed to turning our school into an amazing learning environment where students can be their true selves and feel supported. Every student who walks through our doors is ready to learn, play, and reach their full potential! Watch the video below showcasing Aspect Vern Barnett School's history, our wonderful students and our beautiful new campus.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is proud to celebrate the more than 50-year history of the first purpose-built autism school, the Vern Barnett Teaching Centre – now known as Aspect Vern Barnett School - which opened in 1971.
