Welcome to the NSW Department of Education’s Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support Provider Scheme. Here’s how you can work with us to support students in NSW public schools.

What is the Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support Provider Scheme?

The Scheme involves the centralised prequalification of eligible allied health professional which supports NSW public schools to:

• establish and maintain collaborative relationships with participating allied health providers
• help advance equitable outcomes, opportunities, and experiences for every learner in NSW public schools.

Who can join the Scheme?

We welcome practitioners in these high-demand services to apply to join the Scheme:

• Occupational therapy
• Speech pathology
• Physiotherapy
• Exercise physiology
• Specialist behaviour support.

Why apply to join?

Centralised compliance checks

Streamlined admin: Reduce repetitive paperwork. We manage the compliance requirements so you can focus on delivering quality services.

Increased visibility

Be Discovered: Your services will be featured in a searchable database, making it easier for schools to find and engage with you.

Simplified procurement

Easy engagement: Schools can easily procure your services through a simplified order form, reducing the hassle of managing multiple contracts.

How to work with us

Partner with schools:

As a prequalified provider, you’ll collaborate directly with schools to offer vital support services. Schools can find and select providers like you through our exclusive database.

Easy engagement:

Schools will brief you on their needs, and you can provide a quote. Once a school decides to engage your services, you’ll use a simple 2-page Order Form under the Human Services Agreement you’ve already agreed to.

Collaborative tools:

We provide resources and templates to help establish and maintain successful working relationships. We suggest setting up regular check-ins and a final review meeting to ensure the services meet expectations.

How to apply to join the Scheme

Allied health providers can apply to join the Scheme via the etender Portal.

Applications received by 3.00pm, Friday 1 November will be processed for prequalification for Day 1, Term 1 2025. See this one-page information sheet.

Applications received after 1 November will be processed periodically.

Questions? Contact sahs@det.nsw.edu.au

What you need to know

Working With Children Checks (WWCC):

• All provider staff delivering services in schools must have a valid WWCC and be cleared by the department’s screening database.
• If provider staff have not received this clearance, email these required documents to sahs@det.nsw.edu.au at least 7 days before starting:
  • Declaration for child-related work form
  • a valid Work with Children Check clearance (for employees)
  • 1 form of government issued photo ID, for example, driver's licence or passport
  • written confirmation that they have completed Mandatory Child Protection Training.
• Your WWCC clearance is to be valid at all times. Send any amendments to expiry dates or WWCC certificate details to sahs@det.nsw.edu.au before the expiry date to ensure continued access to school sites.

Mandatory child protection training:

• Your staff must complete this training before delivering services. This can be done via the department’s online training or an equivalent program you offer.
• Schools may require evidence of completion before services begin.

Health and safety training:

• Some schools may require additional training, such as CPR or anaphylaxis training, depending on the student’s needs.
• If training is required, schools may require evidence of completion before services can begin.

School induction:

Every school is different. However, all staff must attend an on-site induction before starting work to understand school policies, safety procedures, and more.

Your responsibilities to the department

Reporting:

You’re required to submit a quarterly report on services delivered in our schools. A quarterly survey will be sent to all Scheme providers.

Keeping your details updated:

Inform us of any changes to contact details, insurance policies, service areas, staff or business structure.

Frequently Asked Questions