Through this equity loading, every mainstream NSW public school receives a learning and support teacher allocation. These teachers work directly within the school to provide additional support for students.

In 2025, the low level adjustment for disability equity loading will be provided to more than 2,077 mainstream NSW public schools to support their students. It supports schools to meet their obligations to students under the Commonwealth Disability Standards for Education 2005.

How is the equity loading calculated?

In addition to the learning and support teacher allocation, the equity loading also provides mainstream schools with flexible funding to support their students with additional learning and support needs.

The methodology for the equity loading uses data from:

• the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
• the Student Learning Needs Index (SLNI)
• school enrolments.

School principals manage equity loading funds to support students with disability as part of the management of their school budgets. There is no requirement for the funds to follow specific students.

The equity loading can be combined with other school and local resources to support students who have additional learning and support needs.

Schools must use the equity loading in the year for which it is provided. Schools have a School Excellence Plan (SEP) which includes how the needs of their students will be addressed. Accountability occurs through the school’s annual report.

Please note, the low level adjustment for disability equity loading does not apply to schools for specific purposes (SSPs).