If you're unsure what good NDIS progress notes look like, you're not alone.
Many providers struggle with writing notes that are:
- Clear
- Compliant
- Useful for plan reviews
If you want the broader standards behind these examples, start with NDIS progress notes requirements.
In this guide, we'll walk through real NDIS progress notes examples, including bad vs good comparisons and simple templates you can use.
What Makes a Good NDIS Progress Note?
A strong NDIS progress note should:
- Be clear and factual
- Show what support was delivered
- Include participant response
- Link to participant goals
- Be easy to read
Example 1: Community Access Support
Poor Example
"Went shopping. Participant was good."
Good Example
Provided community access support from 10:00am-12:00pm at local shopping centre. Participant selected items independently with minimal prompting. Became overwhelmed after 90 minutes and requested to leave. Activity supports goal of increasing independence in community settings. Returned home safely. No incidents.
Example 2: Daily Living Skills
Poor Example
"Worked on cooking skills. Went fine."
Good Example
Supported participant with meal preparation at home. Participant followed recipe with verbal prompts and completed task safely. Demonstrated improved confidence compared to previous session. Activity supports goal of improving independent living skills. Continue building complexity in future sessions.
Example 3: Behaviour Support
Poor Example
"Participant was upset today."
Good Example
Participant became visibly distressed when routine changed. Raised voice and declined to continue planned activity. Support worker implemented calming strategies and offered alternative activity. Participant re-engaged after 15 minutes. Continue monitoring response to changes in routine.
Simple NDIS Progress Notes Template
You can use this structure:
- What happened
- Participant response
- Goal alignment
- Outcome
- Next steps
Using the SOAP Format
Example
- S: Participant reported feeling anxious before activity
- O: Engaged in activity for 45 minutes with support
- A: Building tolerance in social settings
- P: Continue gradual exposure
If you want a more detailed walkthrough of SOAP in practice, see how to write NDIS progress notes.
Common Mistakes
- Too vague
- No goal reference
- Overly long or confusing
- Missing key details
Want to Make This Easier?
Writing notes like these consistently can be hard.
Using structured tools helps support:
- Consistency across staff
- Compliance with NDIS expectations
- Faster note writing
See how a structured NDIS case notes system can help.
Final Thoughts
Good NDIS progress notes:
- Tell a clear story
- Show participant progress
- Make audits easier
Once you understand what "good" looks like, it becomes much easier to replicate.
