External Service Providers
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 external provider support look like at Vardys Road Public School?
At Vardyus Road Public School, our core purpose is to provide high-quality, uninterrupted learning environments that ensure all students are engaged and learning. Whilst we value the services provided by external therapists and support professionals (including those funded through the NDIS), sessions are generally to be held outside of school hours unless specific circumstances apply.
If approved, external provider access may occur between 9:00am and 2:00pm only.
Key information for families and providers:
- All applications MUST come from the families/carers
- Students may apply for a maximum of two (2) therapists a semester.
- Sessions and days are mapped alongside class timetables, students personalised learning plan, and class context.
- Documentation must be submitted annually via the digital platform
- Sessions must occur within line of sight of the class teacher.
- Online sessions do not reflect how our students learn, and will not be considered
- Providers must supply the class teacher with a therapy update form within two weeks of each session.
- All services will commence and conclude in line with annual school timetables
Ongoing approval is dependent on full compliance with school procedures. Non-compliance may lead to the withdrawal of access approval.
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.
How the process works for parents and carers
Termly Review:
Each term, a collaborative review with the LST team, classroom teacher, and parent/carer will ensure goals remain relevant. The review will track progress, gather staff feedback, assess goal alignment, evaluate student learning, consider the timeframe, and determine whether therapy should continue or conclude.
Annual Review: This process must be repeated at the start of each school year.
Your role in the process
Parents help this process run smoothly by:
- Making the external provider request in writing to our school by submitting an external provider request form on the School Bytes Parent Portal.
- 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 external provider information for parents (PDF 73 KB)(opens in new window).
Requirements for external providers
External providers must meet all NSW Department of Education requirements before working with our school.
They must:
External providers must:
- Sign and submit an online agreement with our school. See External Provider Engagement Agreement
- 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.
Please refer to External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.
External providers must haveand provide copies of:
- Public liability for at least $20 million
- Personal indemnity for at least $2 million
- Workers' compensation or insurance
- All necessary qualifications and experience
- A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Mandatory Child Protection Training for current year
- eCPC screening
- Photo ID
- Parenal consent to share information form (on providers Letter head)
Please refer to External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.
External providers are not permitted to begin support until they have received written confirmation from the school that all required documentation has been submitted, processed, and that session dates and times have been formally approved.
Parent/carer permission, for the provider to deliver services to their child at the school, must be completed online via School Bytes. Please refer to the External Providers Parent/Carer Permission Form
Termly Review:
A review will take place each term to ensure that the goals remain relevant and appropriate. This review will be conducted in collaboration with the LST team, the classroom teacher, and the parent/carer.
The review process will include:
- Progress tracking
- Staff feedback
- Alignment with identified goals
- Evidence of improved student learning
- Consideration of the agreed timeframe
- A decision regarding whether therapy will continue or conclude
Annual Review: This process must be repeated at the start of each school year.
How the process works for parents and carers
1. Parent or carer requestkeyboard_arrow_down
2. School Reviewkeyboard_arrow_down
3. Approvalkeyboard_arrow_down
4. Annual Review