The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) is essential for ensuring students with disability receive appropriate support and funding. But for many teachers, the evidence collection and documentation requirements add yet another layer to an already overwhelming workload. Here's how to approach NCCD strategically without burning out.
Understanding the Four Levels of Adjustment
The NCCD framework categorises student support into four levels, based on frequency and intensity of adjustments:
- Quality Differentiated Teaching Practice (QDTP): Support provided through usual school processes without additional resources.
- Supplementary: Adjustments requiring additional resources or support beyond regular classroom practice.
- Substantial: Significant adjustments requiring considerable teacher time and resources.
- Extensive: Comprehensive adjustments involving significant modifications to curriculum and substantial additional support.
What Evidence Do You Actually Need?
Schools must demonstrate evidence of adjustments over a minimum of 10 weeks of school education in the 12 months preceding Census Day. Valid evidence includes:
- Records of consultation with students and parents/carers
- Individual learning plans or personalised planning documents
- Records of adjustments made within lesson plans
- Notes from team meetings about student support
- Assessment task modifications
Efficient Documentation Strategies
Integrate into Existing Workflows: Rather than creating separate NCCD documentation, build differentiation notes into your regular lesson planning.
Use Consistent Terminology: Align your language with NCCD categories. When you note "provided simplified instructions" or "extended time for task completion," you're creating NCCD-ready evidence.
Record Adjustments at Point of Delivery: Quick notes during or immediately after lessons are more accurate than trying to recall details weeks later.
Common NCCD Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-documenting: Concise, consistent notes are more useful than lengthy narratives.
- Waiting until moderation: Evidence gathered in a rush before Census Day is rarely as strong as records maintained throughout the year.
- Confusing disability with behaviour: NCCD applies to students with disability under the DDA.
TeachPlan includes built-in differentiation tracking that integrates with your lesson planning. Record adjustments once, and they're automatically organised for NCCD compliance reporting.