Understanding NDIS & Educational Support for Children with Special Needs

Understanding NDIS & Educational Support for Children with Special Needs
17 February

Supporting children with additional needs in the education system requires not only compassion and skill, but also an understanding of the broader systems at play — particularly the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While schools remain responsible for delivering adjustments and inclusive education under the Disability Standards for Education, the NDIS plays a complementary role in a child’s life outside of school.

For educators and families alike, knowing how the NDIS fits into a child’s overall support plan can make a significant difference in outcomes.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative designed to provide individualised support to people with permanent and significant disabilities. For children, this often includes therapies (such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychology), assistive technology, and capacity-building programs delivered outside the classroom.

While NDIS does not fund support that schools are required to provide (such as teacher aides, curriculum adjustments, or classroom accommodations), it does fund supports that enable children to better access and participate in education more broadly — such as social skills groups, mobility training, or behaviour support delivered outside school hours.

Common Misunderstandings in Schools

One of the biggest challenges for families is navigating the overlap — and the gap — between what schools provide and what the NDIS can offer. Educators sometimes mistakenly believe that a child with an NDIS plan will come with additional in-school support. In reality, any in-school assistance must still be arranged through the school’s Learning and Support framework, including SLSOs (School Learning Support Officers), funding applications, and Personalised Learning and Support Plans.

Understanding these boundaries helps prevent delays and frustration — and supports more productive partnerships between schools, families, and service providers.

How Educators Can Work with NDIS Supports

While the NDIS does not directly fund classroom support, it can indirectly benefit schools and teachers when families use the plan to access:

• Behaviour support practitioners who develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans

• Allied health professionals who share insights with schools (with consent)

• Social skill development programs that enhance participation

• Home routines and tools (like visual schedules or sensory tools) that can also be used in the classroom

Educators can play a vital role by communicating clearly with families, participating (with consent) in joint planning meetings, and aligning school-based adjustments with NDIS-funded strategies. The result? Consistent, holistic support that helps the child succeed.

Tips for Principals and Teachers

• Clarify roles: Understand what the school is responsible for versus what NDIS covers.

• Engage families: Invite parents to share relevant goals from their child’s NDIS plan that may complement school efforts.

• Collaborate wisely: Build professional partnerships with therapists where possible, ensuring any interaction stays within privacy and ethical guidelines.

• Advocate effectively: Use school data and observations to support families seeking appropriate NDIS funding in future plan reviews.

• Know your funding pathways: Stay informed about school-based funding mechanisms, including Integration Funding Support, disability allocations, and wellbeing resources.

Bridging the Gaps: The Role of Inclusive Practice

Ultimately, inclusive education is about more than meeting legal obligations — it’s about building a community where every child is known, valued, and supported. By understanding how the NDIS fits into a child’s broader support network, educators can better plan, respond, and work in partnership with families and professionals to meet complex needs.

At Navigation Education Solutions, we work with schools across Australia to help build whole-school inclusive strategies, train staff, and respond to the real-world challenges educators face. Our Masterclass in Inclusive Practice offers tools for managing behaviours, engaging with support services, and creating stronger connections with families and the systems that surround them.

For more resources or to register for upcoming workshops, visit www.navigationed.com.au or contact Matthew Jacobson at matthew@navigationed.com.au.