The ‘independent reviews’ are coming: first up, funding for students with disability

The Morrison Government is spearheading a review of how extra funding for students with disability is calculated. 

An independent panel will examine how Commonwealth funding is used to support students with disability and report back by December 2019, according to a new statement from the government. 

The National School Resourcing Board will examine the supplementary, substantial and extensive levels of adjustment under the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD), which sets out how disability loading is calculated.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the review would ensure the current settings meet the needs of students with disability into the future.

“Our Government will provide $22.1 billion for students with disability between 2018 to 2027, with average growth in funding of 5.7 per cent a year,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our Government wants to ensure the levels of funding adjustment categorised by the NCCD is appropriate and working to address the needs of students with disability.

“The independent board, led by Michael Chaney, will consult widely to determine if the levels of funding underpinned by the NCCD are hitting the mark.

“The review will also examine the Commonwealth’s assurance processes to ensure the accuracy of the information used to calculate a school’s Commonwealth funding entitlement.”

The student with disability loading is one of six ways of providing additional funding for students and schools with educational disadvantage.

More details about the National School Resourcing Board can be found at www.education.gov.au/national-school-resourcing-board