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
Penshurst Public School supports access to external providers; however, providers do not have automatic approval to access the school.
Any request for support by an external provider (e.g. NDIS-funded) must be made in writing by the student’s parent or carer. This process must be completed at the beginning of each school year, even if the provider remains the same.
Due to staff focusing on establishing routines, programs, and relationships with students at the beginning of the school year, requests will be considered from Week 5 of Term 1 onwards. Session days/times will be determined by the classroom teacher based on class timetables and student needs. Please see the steps in requesting support from an externally funded service provider below.
Steps in requesting support from an externally funded service provider:
Parents/carer should first speak with their child’s classroom teacher regarding the need for additional support. If teacher confirms support is required, an External Service Provider – Parent Request Form will be sent via School Bytes.
For further information, parents/carers can refer to the NSW Department of Education – Organising for your child to get NDIS-funded support at school
The school will review the request and advise parents/carers of the outcome. If approved, proceed to Step 2.
The provider is to read and review Information and Checklist for External Providers.
The provider is to read and review the Fact Sheet for Providers on Mandatory Child Protection Roles and Responsibilities.
Office staff will email the provider the External Service Provider – Engagement Agreement. The provider needs to ensure that parents have signed Consent Form (attachment B) section of the agreement on provider’s letterhead and this is upload to the form.
All uploaded documentation from the provider must be submitted in one name/ABN/organisation.
The school emails the provider the digital declaration for completion and document check.
The school sends a confirmation email once approved.
The provider liaises with the school to arrange a suitable day/time.
Services commence as agreed.
Please note:
- Parents must inform providers of student absences or school events.
- Providers must notify parents if they cannot attend.
- Missed sessions cannot be made up at school.
First Onsite Visit – Provider Requirements
At the first onsite visit, providers must:
- Arrive at the school 30 minutes prior to your first scheduled visit to complete school induction and School Induction Check list
- Present photo ID to office staff
- The provider completes all items on the School Induction Checklist.
- Sign in using the School Visitor Check-In App upon arrival
- Wear the printed visitor sticker or own ID badge while on school grounds
- Sign out using the School Visitor Check-In App upon completion of the visit
- If the provider visits multiple times in one day, they must sign in and out each time they leave the school between appointments.
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.
A Contractor approved to deliver services under the Specialist Allied Health Service Provider Scheme (the Scheme), will have met the insurance requirements as part of the Contractor’s qualification to the Scheme. The School is not required to obtain evidence of these insurances for a Contractor approved under the Scheme.
To apply: This one-pager includes important information, including eligibility guidelines. For more detail and to apply for prequalification, please visit the etender Portal.
