For families of children with disability, one of the most common sources of confusion is working out who is responsible for what. Does the NDIS pay for support at school? Does childcare have to make changes for your child? This guide breaks down, in plain language, how NDIS supports and the responsibilities of schools and childcare services generally work together.
This article is general information only, not legal or medical advice. Responsibilities can vary by situation, and NDIS and education policies are updated over time. Please confirm current details with the NDIS at ndis.gov.au, and with your child’s school, preschool, or education department directly.
Who Is Responsible for What? NDIS vs Schools and Childcare
As a general rule, schools and childcare services are responsible for helping a child with disability participate in education and early learning on the same basis as their peers. This is a legal obligation under the Disability Standards for Education and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, regardless of whether a child has NDIS funding.
The NDIS, on the other hand, generally funds supports that go beyond the classroom or learning program itself, supports that help a child build skills, manage their disability-related needs, and participate more broadly in daily life. There can be some overlap between the two, particularly around personal care, and how this overlap is managed can vary depending on individual circumstances.
What Schools and Childcare Services Are Generally Expected to Provide
Schools and early childhood services are generally expected to make what’s known as reasonable adjustments. Depending on the child’s needs, this can include:
- Adjusting how the curriculum or daily program is delivered
- Making the physical environment accessible
- Providing additional teaching support, such as a teacher aide or learning support officer, funded through education budgets rather than NDIS funding
- Consulting with families about their child’s needs and any adjustments required
- Supporting participation in excursions and other school or centre activities
These responsibilities generally apply whether or not a child has an NDIS plan. Families who feel a school or childcare service hasn’t made reasonable adjustments can usually raise this directly with the service first, and escalate through a formal complaints process if needed.
What the NDIS May Fund to Support a Child’s Participation
Where a child has an NDIS plan, funded supports are generally those that sit outside the school or childcare service’s own responsibilities. Depending on the child’s assessed needs, this may include:
- Personal care support related to the child’s disability, such as help with eating or toileting
- Therapy and allied health supports, like speech pathology or occupational therapy, that build the child’s skills over time
- Assistive technology the child needs to participate
- Transport to and from school or childcare, in some circumstances
- Behaviour support, where recommended as part of the child’s plan
What’s funded always depends on the individual child’s plan and assessed needs. It’s worth discussing your child’s specific circumstances with their early childhood partner, support coordinator, or planner rather than assuming a particular support will or won’t be funded.
How Families Can Get the Right Support in Place
- Start the conversation early: Talk to the school or childcare service about your child’s needs well before they start, or as soon as a need becomes clear.
- Share relevant information: With your consent, relevant parts of your child’s NDIS plan can help the service understand your child’s goals and how to support them.
- Request a meeting about reasonable adjustments: Most schools and childcare services will meet with families to discuss what adjustments are needed and how they’ll be put in place.
- Coordinate between providers and educators: Where a child has NDIS providers such as therapists or support workers, keeping communication open between them and school or childcare staff can help everyone work toward the same goals.
- Review regularly: A child’s needs can change as they grow. Checking in with the school or service, and updating the NDIS plan if needed, helps support stay relevant.
Common Questions from Families
Does the NDIS pay for a teacher aide?
Generally, no. Additional teaching support such as a teacher aide or learning support officer is typically funded and provided by the education system, not the NDIS. The NDIS generally funds supports outside the classroom program itself.
Can the NDIS help my child settle into childcare?
It may be able to, depending on your child’s assessed needs. Some children’s plans include supports such as therapy or a support worker to help build skills that make participating in childcare easier. Speak with your early childhood partner about what’s appropriate for your child.
What if my child isn’t eligible for the NDIS?
Schools and childcare services still have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable adjustments for children with disability, whether or not they have NDIS funding. If you have concerns, it’s worth raising them directly with the service.
Who do I contact if I’m not sure what applies to my child?
Your child’s early childhood partner, support coordinator, or the NDIS directly can help clarify what may be funded. For questions about a school or childcare service’s own obligations, the service itself or the relevant education department is the appropriate first contact.
How ABE Nursing & Support Services Can Help
At ABE Nursing & Support Services, we support Adelaide families whose children have complex health or personal care needs that extend into school or childcare settings. We’re glad to work alongside families, educators, and other professionals to help support stay consistent across home, school, and the community, within each child’s approved plan.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to talk through support options for your child’s school or childcare setting, we’d love to help.
Contact ABE Nursing & Support Services
Website: lightsteelblue-gerbil-369999.hostingersite.com/
Email: info@abenursing.com.au
Phone: 0412 065 750
Location: Paralowie, South Australia
