NDIS progress note examples: good and weak, by support type
A strong NDIS note says what was done, how the participant responded, which goal it served and what the next worker needs to know. These fictional examples show a weak and a stronger version for four common support types, and what changed between them.
Key takeaways
- Strong notes describe observable actions and amounts of prompting, not impressions such as "good day".
- Each note should link the support to a participant goal, or say clearly that it did not.
- Any concern, injury or behaviour of concern is recorded factually, with the action taken, even when the answer is "none".
- The last line should tell the next worker what they need to know.
All examples are fictional. No real participant data is used.
What does a good community access note look like?
Went shopping. Good day. No issues.
Community access to the local shopping centre (goal: build confidence using public spaces). The participant chose the shop, paid for one item with two verbal prompts on using the card reader, and asked a staff member where to find the item without prompting. No signs of distress. Next shift: participant wants to try the food court next week.
What does a good personal care note look like?
Assisted with shower as per plan. All done.
Supported shower (goal: increase independence in daily routines). The participant washed hair and upper body independently; needed physical support for balance stepping out. Skin checked, no marks or redness. Participant said the water was too hot and it was adjusted. Next shift: keep the shower stool in place.
What does a good meal support note look like?
Helped with dinner. Ate well.
Prepared and ate dinner with the participant. The participant chose the meal, chopped vegetables with supervision and ate about two thirds of the plate. Texture followed the participant’s mealtime plan. No coughing or difficulty swallowing observed. Next shift: participant asked for a smaller portion of rice.
What does a good behaviour support note look like?
Participant was agitated. Calmed down after a while.
At 4.10 pm the participant became upset when the outing was changed. The worker followed the proactive strategies in the behaviour support plan: calm voice, offered a choice of two activities, gave space. The participant settled after about ten minutes and chose to walk. No restrictive practice was used. Supervisor informed. Next shift: give advance notice of any change.
What makes the stronger notes stronger?
| Feature | Where it shows |
|---|---|
| Observable detail | Amounts of prompting, what the participant chose and did |
| Goal link | The goal named in brackets |
| Risk and concern | Skin check, swallowing observation, no restrictive practice used |
| Handover | The "Next shift" line |
An auditor reading the stronger notes can see what support was delivered and why without asking the worker. The NDIS Commission notes that auditors want real examples from records, not only policies. To have every note checked for these features before it is saved, see shift note validation.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an NDIS shift note be?
Length is not the test. A short note that names the activity, what the participant did, any concern and the handover can be stronger than a long generic one.
Can I reuse the wording of yesterday’s note?
Copying wording across shifts suggests the note is not a contemporaneous record of what happened on the day. Write each note from that shift’s observations.
Sources
- Core module: Provider governance and operational management (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, retrieved 19 September 2026)
- Types of audits (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, retrieved 19 September 2026)
Related
See NoteGate check a note before it is saved
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