Support from external providers
At Berala Public School, we value working together with families and external professionals to support every student’s learning and wellbeing. External providers, such as those funded through the NDIS or other individual funding schemes, do not have an automatic right of access to the school. If a parent or carer would like an external provider to work with their child at school, the request must be made in writing to the school. Each request is carefully considered to ensure that:
- The arrangement supports the student’s learning needs
- It aligns with Department of Education and school policies
- It does not disrupt teaching and learning programs
Our goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where every student can thrive.
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.
How the process works for parents and carers
Before making a request for an external provider to work with your child at school, please:
- Read the following Department of Education documents:
Information for parents and carers
- Parent completes the Parent/Carer Request for External Provider Form
- External provider reviews the Information and checklist for external providers and all required policies.
- Provider completes and signs the External Provider Engagement Agreement (Form 1).
- Parent/carer signs the Permission form which is provided by our office staff
- Email all completed documents in one email to:
Berala-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Subject line: “External Provider Request – [Student Name]”
6. You will receive an email or phone call confirming approval before any sessions can begin.
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 who wish to work with students at Berala Public School must comply with Department of Education policies and complete the required documentation before commencing sessions.
They must:
- External Provider Engagement Agreement. Information and checklist for external providers NOTE: Attachment B Form 1 is to be signed by the student's parent.
- Current child protection training (must be completed annually)
Follow the External provider information sheet and checklist.
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:
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Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million)
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Professional Indemnity Insurance (minimum $2 million)
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Workers Compensation or equivalent insurance
- If you are a sole trader, please provide evidence of sole trader status instead
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Completed Child Protection Training (current year)
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Completed Anaphylaxis Training (current year)
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Photo Identification
See External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.
Scheduling and Attendance Guidelines
To support student learning and reduce disruption:
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Mainstream students:
- Sessions should occur after 11:30 am.
- Recess and lunch times are not preferred, as these breaks are valuable for building social skills and friendships.
-
Students in the Inclusive Education Unit:
- Time restrictions do not apply.
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify external providers if:
- Their child will be absent, or
- A school event is scheduled on the day of support.
All sessions must be discussed with the school to determine an appropriate day and time.