NDIS and school: who is responsible for what
What the NDIS funds vs what schools must provide vs what health covers — clear examples of educational adjustments and how the three work together.
When your child has a disability, three different systems can be involved in their education — the NDIS, the school and the health system — and it is not always obvious who pays for what. Getting this straight saves knocked-back requests and a lot of stress. This guide sets out, with clear examples, what the NDIS funds, what schools must provide, where health fits, and how the three work together.
Three systems, three jobs
What the NDIS funds
What the school must provide
What health covers
Grey areas and how they work together
Frequently asked questions
Will the NDIS pay for my child's teacher aide?
Generally no. Classroom support and supervision are reasonable educational adjustments the school must provide under the Disability Standards for Education. The NDIS funds disability-specific supports, not the costs of running a classroom.
Can NDIS therapists work with my child at school?
Sometimes, where it suits your child's goals and the school agrees. The therapy is still NDIS-funded and aimed at your child's skills; the school provides the educational adjustments. Coordination between them helps your child most.
Who pays for equipment my child uses at school?
It depends on purpose. Personal assistive technology your child uses generally, like a communication device, is often NDIS-funded, while general classroom equipment and facilities are the school's responsibility.
What if the school and the NDIS each say it is the other's job?
Ask both to put their position in writing, clarify the support's purpose, and bring people together in a meeting. Your LAC, Early Childhood partner or a free advocate can help if you get stuck.
Does this apply to private schools too?
Yes. The Disability Standards for Education apply to government, Catholic and independent schools alike.