NDIS funded therapy in schools
Principals may receive requests for NDIS funded therapists to deliver therapy on school grounds or virtually during school hours.
The department is committed to supporting NDIS participants and their families to optimise the benefits offered by the NDIS. Consistent with this commitment, Victorian government schools are encouraged to accommodate students and their parents/carers exercising choice and control in relation to NDIS supports.
On this basis, it is recommended that principals approve requests for NDIS funded therapy to be delivered at school or virtually during school hours, unless the specific circumstances raise practical, legal or educational issues. It is recommended that principals consider:
- individual circumstances of the student
- student access to the curriculum
- Child Safe Standards and duty of care including the ability of school staff to supervise the student while the NDIS funded therapy is being provided
- practical and administrative capacity
- anti-discrimination obligations.
Principals must refer to the Guidance tab for detailed guidance on these factors, and for procedures that need to be followed when approving applications for NDIS funded therapy to occur on school grounds.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the school principal.
The NDIS may fund a range of specialised supports for school-aged children with a disability. However, the NDIS does not:
- replace or duplicate the responsibilities of the education system
- fund therapy for the purpose of enabling a student to access their education.
In accordance with relevant anti-discrimination laws:
- schools remain responsible for providing ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that students with disability can access education on the same basis as their peers
- schools are legally obliged to provide these reasonable adjustments, regardless of whether a student is also receiving NDIS support.
For further information refer to Students with Disability.
There is no legal obligation on principals to approve a request for NDIS funded therapy on school grounds. This is because NDIS funded therapy is generally not required to enable the student to access their education.
If you have any questions regarding NDIS funded therapy at Rowellyn Park PS, please call 9782 0953 or email 5313-therapybookings@schools.vic.edu.au.
