Support from external providers
The primary purpose of schools, under the Education Act 1990, is to deliver the curriculum to all students. The NSW Department of Education recognises that externally funded service providers have a role in delivering services to children and young people with additional health, disability and wellbeing needs that support their particiapation in school. In some circumstances it may be appropriate for these services to be delivered at school.
Decisions around whether to provide access to externally funded providers are a matter for the school Principal, based on whether it is in the best educational interests of the student, and considering the school's duty of care towards all staff and students. Principals have discretion to grant or not grant school access to an external provider, taking into consideration:
- the impact of the service on curriculum requirements and the student's participation in learning activities,
- the extent to which ther service supports the student's learning needs or enhances access to education,
- the impact of the service on other students and/or the operations of the school.
What does external provider 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 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.
Availability
To meet curriculum requirements and ensure the best interests of the student and school, external providers may only attend Budgewoi Public School during the following times (school term only, Monday to Friday):
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (1 hour)
- 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm (30 minutes)
- 1:35 pm – 2:35 pm (1 hour)
- 2:05 pm – 2:35 pm (30 minutes)
It remains the responsibility of parents and caregivers to advise providers if their child will be absent from school or if there is a school activity on the day of support.
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:
Requirements for external providers
External providers must meet all NSW Department of Education requirements before working with our school.
They must:
External providers must complete the following after the school has approved visits:
- the External Provider Form or External Provider Form for approved Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support Scheme.
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.
External provider visits school at time and date of support and provides proof of identification to admin staff before support starts.
After each session providers must complete a Therapy Update Form for disclosure of information between contractor and school.
