Support from providers outside our school
In accordance with the Education Act 1990, the fundamental responsibility of schools is to deliver the curriculum to all students. The NSW Department of Education recognises that externally funded service providers may play an important role in assisting children and young people with additional health, disability, and wellbeing requirements, thereby facilitating their participation in schooling. Under certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for such services to be provided within the school environment.
The determination as to whether an externally funded provider may be granted access to school premises is at the discretion of the school Principal. This decision must be guided by the best educational interests of the student, while also considering the school’s duty of care towards all staff and students. Principals may approve or decline access to external providers, having regard to:
- The effect of the service upon curriculum delivery and the student’s involvement in learning activities;
- The extent to which the service addresses the student’s specific learning needs or enhances their access to educational opportunities;
- The impact of the service on other students and the broader operations of the school.
What does outside support mean?
Outside support means getting extra help for your child from people who are not part of our school. This can include:
- Assessments or checks – such as psychological, speech or occupational therapy
- Special tutoring or learning programs – run by trained professionals outside our school
- Health services – like counselling or medical support we cannot give internally
- Agency support – help with behaviour, language or social development
This support works with what our school already provides, to meet your child’s needs.
How the process works for parents and carers
Your role in the process
Parents help this process run smoothly by:
- Making the external provider request in writing to our school.
- Letting providers know if their child will be away or if there is a school event on that day.
For more information on accessing external provider support, see our Parents and carers external provider factsheet.
Requirements for external providers
External providers must meet all NSW Department of Education requirements before working with our school.
External providers must complete the following after the school has approved visits::
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Form #1 - Consent form relating to sharing information with the school on YOUR company letterhead
External providers must:
- Follow the NSW Department of Education's policies on equity, inclusion, and child wellbeing
- Compliance with relevant laws and policies, including child protection and privacy
- Complete child protection training every year.
See External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.
External providers must have:
- Appropriate insurance coverage
- A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- All necessary qualifications and experience.
See External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.
This process must be repeated at the start of each school year.
Each Therapist must submit a report to the Learning and Support Teacher by the end of week 8 of terms 2, 3 & 4.