Finding the Right School for My Teenage Son with Cerebral Palsy in Melbourne

Moving to a new country is never easy—but moving as a child who has additional needs brings a whole new layer of challenges.

My son Jonathan is 15 years old and has cerebral palsy. He is mostly non-verbal, but he understands so much. Like any teenager, he has his own personality, preferences, and quiet ways of expressing joy. When he moved from Indonesia to Melbourne, one of our biggest concerns was finding the right school for him.

It wasn’t just about education—it was about safety, accessibility, and feeling supported.

The Challenges We Faced

There were a few key things that made our search more difficult:

• Distance from work – My husband and I both work, so finding a school that wasn’t too far (or too difficult to get to) was important for our daily routine.
• A truly supportive special school – We wanted a place that would understand Jonathan as a whole person.

At times, it felt overwhelming. There were options, but also so many unknowns.

Finding the Right Fit

We were so grateful for friends who shared their experiences and recommended Glenallen School.

From our very first interaction, something felt different.

We arranged a meeting with the school, and I still remember how open, warm, and welcoming the team was. They didn’t rush us. They listened. They asked thoughtful questions about Jonathan—not just his needs, but who he is.

What stood out most was their flexibility and understanding.

They encouraged Jonathan to start part-time first, which made such a big difference. Moving countries is already a huge adjustment, and this allowed him to slowly settle into a new environment without being overwhelmed.

Three Terms Later

Jonathan has now been at Glenallen for three full terms, and we truly love it.

He is more settled, more comfortable, and we can see that he feels safe there. As a parent, that peace of mind is everything.

The school environment suits him well—it’s accessible, supportive, and filled with people who genuinely care.

One of the biggest milestones for our family is that this is Jonathan’s first time attending school full-time, onsite. That felt like a huge step for him. Over these past months, we have seen him learn so much—not just academically, but in his confidence and independence.

He is becoming more confident in himself, and we can see him slowly building his social life in his own way. Most importantly, he is happy. He now wakes up in the morning excited, ready to get dressed and go to school. As a parent, that simple moment means everything.

Moments That Matter

What has meant the most to us are the experiences we once weren’t sure would even be possible.

At Glenallen, Jonathan has had the chance to try so many things for the very first time. He experienced skateboarding with the support and encouragement of staff who made it safe and enjoyable. He had his first experience riding a bike—something we had always hoped for but didn’t know how to make happen.

He’s also been able to participate in hydrotherapy, which not only supports his physical wellbeing but clearly brings him a sense of calm and happiness in the water.

And something as simple as going bowling—an activity many families take for granted—became a joyful and meaningful experience for him.

These moments may seem small to others, but for us, they are huge milestones. They represent inclusion, opportunity, and a school that truly believes in giving every child a chance to experience life.

Tips for Other Parents

If you’re in a similar position, here are a few things that really helped us:

1. Go for a school tour
Photos and websites can only tell you so much. Being there in person helps you feel the environment, observe how staff interact with students, and imagine your child in that space.

2. Set up meetings and ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask anything—big or small. A good school will be open, patient, and willing to have honest conversations.

3. Look for flexibility
Starting part-time or easing into a routine can make a big difference, especially after a big life change like moving countries.

4. Trust your instincts
As parents, we know our children best. If something feels right (or doesn’t), trust that feeling.