Support From Providers Outside Our School

All therapy in school is at the principal’s discretion, and their duty is to meet the requirements of the school curriculum and the best interests of the students and the school. To ensure this, from 2026, Mainsbridge school can host 6 therapists per session, Monday to Friday, 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm, in weeks 2-9 of terms 2, 3 and 4.

In real terms, for the school and students, this is 30 sessions per week and 960 sessions on campus per year. Our key focus is education and maintaining the effective and uninterrupted K-12 special programs for all students. If any therapy impedes the educational engagement of a student or a class of students, the principal reserves the right to end the external agreement.

To ensure equitable access for students one external provider per student will be able to apply to be granted therapy in school each calendar year. Each external service agreement will be in place for the specified year only and will be reapplied for the following year in term 1. All applications must be completed by the end of term 1 of each scholastic year.

Additionally, one-off observations by therapists must be requested by parents in writing. Ongoing observations will not be approved. Observations will also take place Monday to Friday between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm in terms 2, 3 and 4

Therapists must have completed assessments, established goals, and have an ongoing relationship/rapport with the student before an application for therapy during school time is requested.

To request therapy in school:

Step 1:

Parents/Carers

Write to the principal asking them to consider your request for therapy in school via email mainsbridg-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Attach the therapy in school request form provided.

MBSSP Request for Therapy in School 2026

For the Department of Education guidelines for parents, see:

External Providers Information for Parents

If the school principal or their delegate agrees with the request, progress to step 2.

Step 2:

The therapist contacts the school via email mainsbridg-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

An admin officer will then inform the therapist of the documents required.

Therapists must complete and return:

1. An external Provider agreement

   External Provider Engagement Agreement 2026

2. Current child protection training- must be completed every year.

Therapists must read:

1. Code of Conduct policy
2. Controversial issues in schools policies and procedures
3. Allegations against Employees in the area of child protection

Therapists must provide evidence of:

1. Public liability for at least $20 million
2. Personal indemnity for at least $2 million
3. Workers compensation or insurance
4. Completed child protection training certificate for the current year
5. WWCC approval
6. Photo ID

For more information please see the External Provider Checklist

and the fact sheet for providers on mandatory child protection roles and responsibilities

Step 3:

After the school has received all documents/paperwork above, the school will send an email to the parent and therapist to arrange an induction meeting. During this meeting, a suitable time will be negotiated when therapy can commence in terms 2, 3 or 4.

Therapy is not to commence until therapists and parents have met with the principal or their delegate.

This process is to be completed at the beginning of each year and will be in place for that year only. All therapy in school is subject to review or renewal annually.

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