NDIS Progress Notes Explained (+ Example Template)

March 27, 2026

NDIS Progress Notes Explained (+ Example Template for Providers)

When delivering supports under the NDIS, keeping clear records is an important part of running a professional service.

One of the most commonly used documents is the NDIS progress note.

Progress notes help providers record the support delivered during a shift or session and track a participant’s progress toward their goals.

For new NDIS providers, understanding how to write progress notes correctly can feel confusing. This guide explains what progress notes are, why they matter, and what information they typically include.

Download the NDIS Business Startup Checklist

If you're currently setting up an NDIS business and want to understand the essential documentation providers often prepare before supporting their first participant, you can download the checklist here:

Download the NDIS Business Startup Checklist

What Are NDIS Progress Notes?

NDIS progress notes are records that document the support delivered to a participant during a shift or service session.

They provide a summary of:

• the activities completed
• participant engagement
• observations or outcomes
• any concerns or incidents

Progress notes help create a clear record of the services delivered and how supports are helping the participant work toward their goals.

Why Progress Notes Are Important

Maintaining good progress notes helps providers run organised and professional services.

Progress notes can help:

• track participant progress
• maintain accurate service records
• support communication between team members
• provide documentation of services delivered

Clear notes also help providers reflect on what supports are working well for the participant.

What Should Be Included in NDIS Progress Notes?

While formats may vary between providers, most progress notes include a few key sections.

1. Date and Time of Support

Each note should record:

• the date of the shift
• start and finish time
• the support worker delivering the service

This helps keep a clear record of when supports were provided.

2. Description of Activities

This section outlines the activities completed during the support session.

Examples may include:

• community participation activities
• assistance with daily living tasks
• attending appointments
• skill-building activities

The description should focus on what support was delivered and how the participant engaged.

3. Participant Progress

Progress notes often include observations about how the participant responded to the support.

This might include:

• improvements in skills
• engagement in activities
• progress toward NDIS goals

Recording progress helps providers track outcomes over time.

4. Observations or Concerns

Providers may also note anything important observed during the shift.

For example:

• changes in mood or behaviour
• health or safety concerns
• challenges experienced during activities

These notes help ensure relevant information can be followed up if needed.

5. Next Steps

Some providers include brief notes about any follow-up actions.

This might include:

• future activities planned
• additional support needs
• communication with family or support coordinators

This helps maintain continuity of care.

Example of a Simple Progress Note

Date: 15 March 2026
Support Worker: Sarah Marsh

Activity: Supported participant to attend community art class. Assisted with transport and participation in activities.

Participant Engagement: Participant actively engaged in painting activity and interacted positively with other attendees.

Observations: Participant appeared more confident compared to previous sessions.

Next Steps: Continue attending weekly class to build social confidence.

Looking for a professional looking template?
Find it here

Tips for Writing Clear Progress Notes

When writing progress notes, it’s helpful to keep a few best practices in mind.

• keep notes clear and factual
• avoid overly complex language
• focus on participant outcomes
• record important observations

Clear notes help ensure documentation is easy to understand and useful for future reference.

Save Time Organising Your NDIS Documentation

When starting an NDIS business, creating all your documentation from scratch can take a significant amount of time.

Launchly provides NDIS document bundles that include structured templates providers can customise for their own businesses.

These bundles include templates commonly used by providers such as:

• progress notes templates
• service agreements
• incident report forms
• participant documentation
• policies and procedures

You can explore the available bundles here:

View Launchly NDIS Document Bundles

Get the Free NDIS Business Startup Checklist

If you're preparing to start an NDIS business and want a simple overview of the documentation providers often organise before supporting their first participant, download the checklist here: