Learning Diversity 

Vira Pirrotta

National Consistent Collection of Data Happening this August 

On August 2nd, all schools will declare the NCCD count for the 2023 to 2024. Please see below for a summary of the NCCD. For more details, please visit the previous newsletters from Term 1 and 2. 

 

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005  (the Standards), Australian students with disabilities must be able to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. To ensure this, students with disabilities may receive adjustments to access education based on teachers' professional judgement in consultation with the student and their parents, guardians, or carers.

 

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) gives Australian schools, parents, guardians, carers, education authorities, and the community information about the number of students with disability in schools and the adjustments they receive. The Australian Education Regulation 2013 requires all schools to report the data collected for the NCCD to the Australian Government annually.

What is the purpose of the NCCD?

The NCCD collects data about school students with disability who receive adjustments across Australia consistently, reliably and systematically. It enables schools, education authorities and governments to understand better the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.

 

From 2018, the student with disability loading provided by the Australian Government is based on the NCCD; schools will continue to manage their total resources to meet the learning needs of their students.

 

High-level, de-identified information from the NCCD is used in national reporting to inform policy and program planning to support students with disability. Student information provided to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training for the NCCD does not explicitly identify individual students.  

 

How does the NCCD assist schools?

The NCCD prompts schools to identify students with disabilities and review their processes and practices. It records the adjustments already undertaken in schools to support students with disabilities in accessing and participating in education on the same basis as their peers.

 

As a school, we are conducting parent support groups to determine the support needed for our students, which will be included in our NCCD count for August 2024. This process allows us to determine the support required for each student at St. Fidelis. 

 

Please see the PDFs for further information. 

What is the NCCD? (PDF) 

NCCD Information Sheet parents.pdf

 

Links between the NCCD, DDA and Standards (PDF)

 

Keeping Student Medical and Assessment Information Updated

As we begin Term 3, please ensure that we have up-to-date medical or assessment information on your child. There are several crucial reasons why the school needs this information. 

 

Ensuring Student Safety and Promoting Health and Well-being

Up-to-date medical information is essential for responding effectively in emergencies. Knowing a student's allergies, chronic conditions, or required medications enables school staff to act swiftly and appropriately if an issue arises.  When health information is accurate, staff can work closely with parents and healthcare providers to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

 

Inaccurate or outdated information can lead to delays or errors in treatment, potentially endangering the student's health. 

 

Supporting Academic Success

Accurate assessment information helps educators tailor their teaching strategies to meet each student's individual needs. By understanding students' strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, teachers can provide more effective instruction and support. This personalised approach can enhance student engagement, motivation, and achievement.

Regularly updating your child's medical and assessment information fosters home and school partnerships. This collaboration is crucial for addressing issues affecting a student's learning or well-being. Open communication ensures that both parties know the student's needs and can work together to provide the necessary support.

 

Meeting Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Schools must comply with various legal and regulatory standards concerning student health and safety, and keeping accurate records is both best practice and a legal obligation. Regular updates help the school meet these requirements and avoid potential liabilities.

 

How Parents Can Help

Parents play a vital role in this process. Here are some ways you can ensure your child's information is always up-to-date:

  1. Regular Updates: Promptly inform the school of changes in your child's medical conditions, medications, or other health-related information.
  2. Communicate Changes: Notify the school immediately if emergency contact information changes or if your child receives a new diagnosis.
  3. Share Information: Communicate via email or person about the assessment completed by Allied Health Professionals, psychologists, and paediatricians.  

Please contact Mick Jennings or Vira Pirrotta with any updated medical information. 

Please email Vira at vpirrrotta@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au with any assessment results or reports so a meeting can be arranged to discuss the recommendations.