Support from providers outside our school
Our school works closely with families to make sure every child gets the support they need to learn and thrive. Sometimes this means bringing in specialist providers from outside our school, such as therapists funded by the NDIS or other programs.
These external providers do not have an automatic right to come into our school. Any request must come from a parent or carer in writing so we can make sure the support is safe, appropriate, and in the best interest of the student.
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 using the above link.
- 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.
If the school is in agreement with the request from parents, we will contact the named provider for documents.
They must:
External providers must provide their date of birth for identification purposes so that the screening process can be completed. The screening process is to ensure the external provider has no criminal record and has a current WWCC.
External providers must complete a Digital Declaration at the first NSW Government school they work at. Their details are then stored in the Department of Education’s database. Once this is completed, all other NSW Government schools can search for the external provider by their name and DOB. They select the correct entry and simply need to ‘confirm ID’ upon the first visit to their school.
External providers must:
- Sign a written agreement with our school. See External Provider Engagement Agreement
- Follow the External provider information sheet and checklist.
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.
* PLEASE NOTE: If any insurance certificates expire during the school year, the External Provider is responsible for providing the school with an updated certificate prior to the expiration date. If not received before the expiration date, you will not be able to continue the school appointments.
Once everything is complete, our school will send an email to the external provider, teacher and parent confirming the agreed time and a date for sessions to begin.
External providers cannot begin support until they have received written confirmation from our school.
The external provider will be required to show their photo identification to a member of the school administration team. This will complete the screening process. It is recommended all external providers have photo identification with them at each visit in case there is a change in administration staff.
Upon each visit, the external provider will be required to sign in when they arrive via the QR code. They are also required to sign out when they depart.
Therapy is not to commence until therapists have received an email or phone call approving the request.
THIS PROCESS IS ANNUAL. This process is to be completed at the beginning of each school year. Parents, carers and external providers will be notified within the fortnight after receiving the request form. A start date is subject to all related documents being completed and processed.
Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support Provide Scheme
We encourage you to join the NSW Department of Education’s Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support Provider Scheme. The Scheme involves the centralised prequalification of eligible allied health professional which supports NSW public schools to:
- establish and maintain collaborative relationships with participating allied health providers
- help advance equitable outcomes, opportunities, and experiences for every learner in NSW public schools.
Who can join the Scheme?
The Department of Education welcomes practitioners in these high-demand services to apply to join the Scheme:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Specialist behaviour support.
Key benefits of joining the Scheme.
Streamlined admin: Reduce repetitive paperwork. We manage the compliance requirements so you can focus on delivering quality services.
Increased visibility: Your services will be featured in a searchable database, making it easier for schools to find and engage with you.
Easy engagement: Schools can easily procure your services through a simplified order form, reducing the hassle of managing multiple contracts.
Apply now: This one-pager includes important information, including eligibility guidelines.