Disability Inclusion Tier 3 student-level funding (Reference 138)
The Disability Inclusion reform package introduces a new funding and support model for students with disability over a staged rollout between 2021 to 2025. Refer to: Disability Inclusion Funding and Support.
Tier 3 individual-level funding builds on the core student learning allocation and Tier 2 funding, providing individualised funding to support students with high and complex needs relating to their disability. Through the Disability Inclusion reform rollout period, the Tier 3 student-level funding will gradually replace the existing individualised disability funding provided through the Program for Students with Disabilities.
Tier 3 allocations are based on the strengths and needs of students with disabilities and the associated levels of adjustment captured in the Disability Inclusion Profile (the Profile). The Profile record levels of adjustment against 31 educational activities, across 6 domains. Refer to: Disability Inclusion Profile.
Eligibility
The following school types are eligible for Tier 3 funding:
- Primary (excluding deaf facilities)
- Secondary
- Primary/Secondary Combined
- Specialist
A student is considered eligible for Tier 3 dependent meeting two criteria summarised as follows:
- Evidence of disability or functional need as determined by (at least one of):
- measured functional capacity limit (Vineland Composite score of 70 or below)
- evidence of a diagnosed condition
- enhanced moderation pathway
- Profile-related (at least one of):
- greater than or equal to 8 educational activities requiring Substantial or higher adjustment
- greater than or equal to 3 educational activities requiring Extensive adjustment
For more information on Tier 3 eligibility refer to: Disability Inclusion Funding and Support.
Tier 3 calculation
Tier 3 funding is calculated using the following formula:
Tier 3 funding = Weighted score × Funding rate
Weighted score
The weighted score is calculated using a student’s Profile. The Profile records levels of adjustment against 31 educational activities, across 6 domains. The levels of adjustment are given a numerical score ranging from 0 (Present Environment of Supports) to 4 (Extensive Adjustments).
These unweighted scores are then weighted according to their domain and standardised. Weightings balance funding requirements across domains. For example, activities in the Self-care Domain will be weighted differently compared to those in the Learning and Applying Knowledge Domain.
Funding rate
A funding rate of $695.54 applies in 2024.
Annual allocation
Annual allocation = Tier 3 funding × Enrolment time fraction × Portion of the year funding is active
The annual allocation factors in the student’s enrolment time fraction at the school and the portion of the year for which the Profile is active. For example, a Profile with an associated Tier 3 funding start date of Term 2 would be active for 3 terms (0.75) of the year, then typically active for the whole year (4 terms = 1) in the following years.
Example of Tier 3 student-level funding calculation
A student with disability undertakes a Profile process. The Profile record levels of adjustment against 31 educational activities, across 6 domains. The student’s Profile shows the student receives an 'extensive' level of adjustment against educational activities in the Communication and Self-care domains.
There is evidence of the student having a functional need as indicated by the Vineland and the Profile contains 5 Extensive and 7 Substantial levels of adjustment, meaning the student meets the Tier 3 student-level funding eligibility criteria. The Profile is finalised with a Tier 3 funding start date of Term 2
Weighted score calculation
The student’s levels of adjustment across the 31 educational activities are transformed into scores between 0 to 4 and are weighted based on their domain and standardised to produce a total weighted score of 47.25.
Allocation calculation
The allocation would be calculated as:
Tier 3 funding = Weighted score × Funding rate
Tier 3 funding = 47.25 × $695.54
Tier 3 funding = $32,864.27
The allocation that the student attracts for the year is determined as follows:
Annual allocation = Annual rate × Enrolment time fraction × Portion of the year funding is active
Annual allocation = $32,864.27 × 1 × 0.75
Annual allocation = $24,648.20
The Student Support Group (SSG) is notified by the school contact of the Tier 3 funding via the School Resource Notification, which provides an indication of the annual rate. The allocation is then typically reflected in the school’s budget at the end of the term.
Enrolment, budget and reporting information
Tier 3 funding allocations are made according to Profiles completed prior to budget-critical dates early in each term.
The Indicative Student Resource Package (SRP) is based on Profile and enrolment information as at Term 3 of the year prior. Allocations are updated in the Confirmed SRP, capturing enrolment and application changes that occur between Term 3 of the prior year and Term 1 of the current year.
Where enrolment details are not correct in CASES21 prior to budget critical dates each term, Tier 3 student-level funding cannot be guaranteed. Enrolment details for new or current students must be promptly uploaded to CASES21.
Where a student transfers during the school year, resources remaining for the year will be adjusted and made available to the new school from the commencement of the next school term. The SRP is revised at the end of each term to capture these changes.
Schools should make local arrangements to transfer resources for enrolment changes occurring during term.
Where agreement has been reached that a student is enrolled and attends two schools, the allocation will be provided on a pro-rata basis that is consistent with the enrolment details contained in CASES21.
Schools are provided with School Resource Notifications that provide an indication of a student’s annual rate at the finalisation of their Disability Inclusion Profile. Accurate allocation information is provided to schools through termly Tier 3 student-level funding allocation reports. Allocation details in these reports should be reviewed against School Resource Notifications and students’ CASES21 enrolment information. Any queries can be raised through an email to the Disability Inclusion Outcomes mailbox at disability.inclusion.outcomes@education.vic.gov.au
Reconciliation requests can be logged via the DE Services and will only be considered on a one-term basis. Requests for budget adjustments cannot be considered beyond the previous term.
Reviewed 26 March 2024