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

This support works with what our school already provides, to meet your child’s needs.

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 our Parents and carers external provider factsheet.

Requirements for external providers

External providers must meet all NSW Department of Education requirements before working with our school.

There is an  External Provider Checklist  _ with the documents and requirements for external providers.  Please read this checklist in full and ensure each and every check/requirement is met before submitting any documents to the school. These requirements/checks are from the Department of Education.  The External Provider Engagement Agreement has changed from last year. Please use the new Provider Engagement Agreement

.   NOTE: Attachment B Form 1 is to be signed by the student's parent.

To engage external therapist support at Swansea High School:

Step 1:

Parents  please fill in a Parent/Carer Request for External Providers and return to the office.

For more information please see the Parent and Carer Fact Sheet

If the school is in agreement with the request, progress to step 2.

  Step 2:

The office then contacts the therapist requesting all documents.

Therapists  must complete and return:

1. External Provider Agreement
2. Current child protection training  -  must be done every year

Therapists  must read:

1. Code of Conduct policy
2. Controversial issues in schools policies and procedures
3. Allegations against Employees in the area of child protection

Therapists  must provide evidence of:

1. Public liability for at least $20 million
2. Personal indemnity for at least $2 million
3. Workers compensation or insurance
4. Completed child protection training- for current year
5. Photo ID

For more information please see the  External Provider Checklist and the fact sheet for providers on mandatory child protection roles and responsibilities

Step 3:

The School will send an email to the therapist, teacher and parent. After a suitable time has been negotiated therapy can commence.

Therapy is not to commence until therapists have received an email or phone call approving the request.

This process is to be completed at the beginning of each school year.

Have a question for our school?

Our friendly office team can help you.

Contact us