Allied Health Professionals in Schools

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK ().28 November 2023).

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

I am advised that principals determine if external therapy services can be provided on site during school hours using a decision-making process outlined under the 'Non­education service providers in preschools, schools and educational programs procedure'. The approach of this procedure has not changed since introduced in 2016 and was followed while Hon. John Gardner MP was the Minister for Education.

The 'Non­education service providers in preschools, schools and educational programs procedure' provides principals guidance regarding the provision of external therapy services during school hours using a decision-making process.

Where possible, schools seek to allow services on site, but there are factors, such as an inability to provide 'line of sight' supervision, that can limit the ability to allow allied health professionals on site. Ensuring student safety at all times is paramount to decision making.

There is no system blanket ban on external allied health professionals entering schools and no plans to introduce one. It is disappointing that the member would seek to scaremonger about something that is not being considered.