The
Nationally consistent collection of data on school students with disability (NCCD) collects data in a consistent, reliable and systematic way about school students with disability who are receiving adjustments across Australia. It enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.
Under the
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the
Disability Standards for Education 2005 Australian students with disability are entitled to
reasonable adjustments so they can access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers.
The NCCD counts the number of school students receiving reasonable adjustments due to a disability.
It includes the:
category of disability that best describes your child's difficulties (1 of 4 categories is chosen by the school team to reflect your child's greatest area of need: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional)
level of adjustment your child receives at school (1 of 4 levels is chosen by the school team to reflect the type of support your child requires i.e. quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary adjustment, substantial adjustment, or extensive adjustment).
Do I have to consent for my child to be included in the NCCD?
No. The school provides data to the government in such a way that no individual student is able to be identified. In this way, the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured.
Under the Standards, schools must
consult with you and your child (if appropriate) before making a reasonable adjustment.
You may be able to provide the school with information, specialists' letters, or other records to assist the school to understand your child's needs. You may also provide useful information on strategies to assist your child to access and participate successfully at school.
This information can assist the school to accurately report your child's inclusion in the NCCD by category and adjustment level.
Is the NCCD used to fund Queensland state schools?
From 2018 the Australian Government student with disability loading provided to state and territories education authorities is calculated based on the NCCD.
The Australian Government recognises that schools and school systems are best placed to understand the individual needs of students and budget accordingly. The Queensland Department of Education therefore continues to be responsible for decisions about the level of resources and supports provided to Queensland state schools to ensure students with disability are succeeding.
The department has commenced a 2-year transition to a new 'Students with disability—reasonable adjustments resourcing' model. The new model will provide additional teachers and teacher aides to schools to enable them to make adjustments for students with disability based on their need and the level of adjustments reported in the NCCD.
In the most recent State budget, the Queensland Government has committed $80.6m over three financial years to support schools to transition to the new model. More information about the new model and transition arrangements can be accessed on the department's
students with disability webpage.
The fact sheet for parents, guardians and carers—NCCD (PDF, 624KB) provides further information regarding the disability loading and allocation, as well as other valuable information regarding the NCCD.
For further information about resourcing for students with disability please contact your child's Principal.
What is happening to support students with disability in Queensland state schools?
To find out more about how the department is ensuring every student with disability succeeds and some of the ways schools across Queensland are making this happen, please visit the students with disability page.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the NCCD please contact your child's school or visit the parent, guardian or carer section on the national NCCD portal.