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
Parents or carers send us a written request for an external provider to deliver support services to a student onsite.
This request can be emailed to tarrawanna-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Upon receipt of a written request the school will then send a link to the online permission form directly to the parent or carer.
The parent or carer completes the permission form, providing the purpose for this support, the details for the external provider, and any additional information.
Our school reviews the request. If we agree, we will contact the provider directly for documents.
You can help by making sure the provider responds to our requests promptly.
Once everything is ready, our school will set a time for sessions to begin. Support cannot start until we give approval.
The provider will be notified of the start day and time in writing.
As part of the agreement, the provider is required to submit an update to the school after each therapy session.
This should include details about the focus of the therapy and, if appropriate, strategies we can use at school to assist.
Your role in the process
Parents help this process run smoothly by:
- Making the external provider request in writing to our school via email: tarrawanna-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
- 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.
They must:
External providers must:
- Sign a written agreement with our school. See External Provider Engagement Agreement (note: we use an online version of this form which will be emailed directly to the provider)
- 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:
- Appropriate insurance coverage
- A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- All necessary qualifications and experience.
See External provider information sheet and checklist for all details.