NDIS Funded Therapy in Schools   

Schools are encouraged to support students receiving National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded therapy. However, school leaders report an increasing number of requests for these services to be delivered on school premises and during instructional hours.  At times this is not a request, but a demand.

To assist principals in making informed decisions, the Department has developed guidelines outlining the circumstances under which NDIS funded therapy may be provided at school. These guidelines can be accessed here.

The guidelines make it clear that the final decision regarding whether therapy can be conducted on school grounds rests with the principal. Principals may receive requests from parents or carers for NDIS funded therapists to observe a student in the classroom or participate in a Student Support Group meeting to help tailor the student’s therapy program. These requests are generally reasonable and can often be accommodated.

Challenges arise, however, when requests are made for therapy to be delivered on school premises or during school hours. While all requests should be given due consideration, principals must assess whether the request presents practical, legal, or educational concerns that may render approval unfeasible or inappropriate.

To ensure informed decision-making, principals should refer to the relevant Policy & Guidelines keeping in mind that ultimately, the authority to approve or deny these requests remains with the principal.

Additional resources are available to assist in responding to requests for NDIS services at school and can be accessed here.