Overview of the Disability Inclusion funding model
The Disability Inclusion funding model has 3 tiers, based on the need for targeted support for students with disability and the obligation to make reasonable adjustments.
Schools must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability. Additional resources provided to schools do not define or limit the support provided for student with disability. Refer to: Students with Disability.
For further information on the Disability Inclusion vision for inclusion, refer to vision for inclusive education and the Disability Inclusion reform principal checklist .
Tier 1 – Core student learning funding
Tier 1 provides funding for all student’s core learning needs through the Student Resource Package (SRP). This funding includes students with disability and additional needs, and will not change with the introduction of Disability Inclusion. Refer to: Core Student Learning Funding.
Tier 2 – School-level funding
Tier 2 provides additional school-level funding to strengthen school-wide capacity and capability to deliver adjustments and inclusive practice for students with disability.
Tier 2 school-level funding builds on Tier 1 core student learning allocation funding by recognising that additional funding will further strengthen school capacity (staff time and resources) and capability (staff skills and knowledge) to better meet the needs of students with disability. This also recognises that to meet the diverse needs of students with disability, increasing frequency and intensity of support can be required.
It is important to note that Tier 2 school-level funding builds on the quality teaching and differentiated practice for all students, including students with disability delivered through Tier 1 core student learning allocation funding.
Schools will use Tier 2 funding to develop more inclusive education environments, with flexibility to tailor support to their local context and needs of their student cohort. Refer to: Tier 2 school-level funding expenditure requirements.
Schools can use the Tier 2 funding calculator to estimate their annual Tier 2 funding allocation. Note: The information required for the calculation is from the Student Resource Package (SRP) portal – consult with your school principal or business manager when using the calculator.
Tier 2 allocation
Tier 2 school-level funding is allocated through the SRP. The level of additional funding is based on a range of factors such as school-level enrolment and parental education data. For information on funding allocation, refer to: SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 2 school-level funding.
All mainstream schools (primary, secondary, and combined), language and specialist schools will be allocated Tier 2 school-level funding.
Tier 3 – Student-level funding
Tier 3 provides additional funding to support schools to deliver adjustments to meet the individual nature and acute impact of students with complex needs.
Tier 3 support builds on the tailored and flexible inclusive support provided through Tier 2 school-level funding, and the quality teaching and differentiated practice for all students, including students with disability provided through Tier 1 SRP core student learning allocation funding.
This ensures students with the highest needs receive the intensive support they require to enable participation, in addition to adjustments schools have put in place through Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Refer to: Tier 3 student-level funding for more information.
Tier 3 allocation
Tier 3 student-level funding is allocated through the SRP. The level of additional funding is based on a student’s Disability Inclusion Profile. Refer to: SRP – Disability Inclusion Tier 3 student-level funding.
Schools’ Tier 3 allocations are updated termly to account for new profile funding outcomes and student movements.
Reviewed 13 March 2024