A new prequalification scheme for specialist allied health service providers is helping department schools access appropriate and effective adjustments for students with disability.

The scheme aims to reduce the administrative burden and support staff in meeting student needs by providing easier processes to engage and manage allied health providers.

Schools can access a searchable database of prequalified providers, a simplified form to be used to engage them, and an information hub full of resources that can be used to establish productive, collaborative working relationships.

The department has put successful pre-qualified providers through a procurement process which has reviewed: their experience, qualifications and training; their business credentials, insurances and adherence to probity requirements; the services they deliver and how they deliver them and the areas of the state that they can service.

How schools work with allied health professionals

Yandelora School at Narellan in south-western Sydney is a school for specific purposes catering for students with moderate to severe intellectual and physical disabilities. It has around 100 students with complex learning needs.

The school recognises that externally funded allied health providers play an important role in the learning and development of its students, and has put in place processes to integrate allied health services into student learning.

The school has an ongoing arrangement for a local paediatric physiotherapist to attend the school for a full day to deliver therapy to students. The paediatric physiotherapist works with the students in classrooms and playgrounds to support their learning at school while at the same time attending to their physical support needs.

The department hopes the new scheme will encourage more schools to work with allied health professionals. You can find out more at the Specialised Allied Health Scheme webpage.