11/09/2025
Families often ask: “When should we request an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?”
IEPs are not just about academics, they’re about a child’s whole education. That includes learning, social-emotional development, sensory preferences, communication, independence, and wellbeing.
You can request an IEP when:
– Your child has a diagnosed disability, developmental difference, or learning difficulty.
– Teachers are providing informal adjustments but nothing is documented.
– Your child is working well below or above expected level, and the curriculum needs adapting.
– They need support with social communication and/or friendships
– Sensory differences affect how they participate in class (e.g., noise, movement, transitions).
– They’re receiving allied health or NDIS support that should link with school goals.
– A transition point is coming up (new teacher, new year, starting secondary).
An IEP sets out agreed goals, adjustments, and supports, with input from families and, importantly, the student themselves. It’s about making sure every child can access and participate meaningfully in their education.
If it's not written down, supports can be hard to track through the years. This becomes especially important in the secondary years when applying for examination arrangements.
Artwork by AHA Chloe
