10 NDIS Progress Note Examples (Copy & Adapt)

Why Good Examples Matter

Writing NDIS-compliant progress notes is a skill that improves with practice. These 10 examples cover the most common support categories and demonstrate person-centred, goal-linked, objective documentation.

Daily Living Examples

Example 1: Morning Routine Support

"Supported James with his morning routine (Goal 1: Increase independence in personal care). James independently selected his clothing and dressed himself. Required one verbal prompt to remember to brush teeth. Completed routine in 30 minutes — a 10-minute improvement from last fortnight. James expressed pride in getting ready 'all by myself today.'"

Example 2: Meal Preparation

"Assisted Maria with dinner preparation (Goal 3: Develop cooking skills). Maria chose to make pasta bolognese from her recipe card. She independently measured ingredients and operated the stove with standby supervision. Required physical assistance to drain the pasta safely. Maria served herself and ate the full meal, commenting 'it tastes like Nonna's.'"

Community Access Examples

Example 3: Shopping Support

"Accompanied David to Woolworths for weekly grocery shopping (Goal 2: Community participation). David used his shopping list independently and navigated the store without direction. Required support at the checkout to count correct change ($2.40 was $0.60 short on first attempt, self-corrected with verbal prompt). Total trip duration: 45 minutes. No safety concerns."

Example 4: Social Group Activity

"Transported and supported Priya at Tuesday social group at the community centre (Goal 4: Social participation). Priya initiated conversation with two other participants without prompting — this is the first time she has done so. She participated in the art activity for the full 90 minutes. Priya said she 'can't wait for next week.'"

Therapy Support Examples

Example 5: Physiotherapy Exercise Program

"Supported Tom with his home physiotherapy program as prescribed by his physiotherapist (Goal 1: Improve mobility). Completed all 6 prescribed exercises. Tom performed 3 sets of 10 leg raises (up from 2 sets last week). Reported mild discomfort in left knee during squats — noted for physio review. No falls or safety incidents."

Example 6: Speech Therapy Practice

"Facilitated Aisha's speech practice exercises during afternoon session (Goal 2: Communication skills). Practised 15 target words from her speech pathologist's list. Aisha correctly pronounced 12/15 words on first attempt (80%, up from 60% last month). Used visual cue cards for the remaining 3 words. Aisha remained engaged throughout the 20-minute session."

Complex Care Examples

Example 7: Medication Administration

"Administered prescribed medications as per MARS chart at 0800hrs (Paracetamol 500mg x2, Metformin 500mg x1). Medications checked against MARS by two staff members. Sarah swallowed all medications with water and remained observed for 15 minutes post-administration. No adverse reactions observed. MARS chart signed and dated."

Example 8: Seizure Management

"At 14:22, Ben experienced a tonic-clonic seizure lasting approximately 2 minutes 15 seconds (timed). Followed Ben's Seizure Management Plan: cleared surrounding area, placed cushion under head, positioned on side after seizure ceased. Ben was drowsy but responsive after 5 minutes. No injuries sustained. Parents notified at 14:35. GP appointment to be scheduled as per plan (third seizure this month)."

Behaviour Support Examples

Example 9: Positive Behaviour Support

"During morning transition (0830), Luke displayed escalated behaviour (raised voice, pacing) when asked to change activity. Followed Luke's Positive Behaviour Support Plan: offered choice of two alternative activities, used calm tone, allowed 5 minutes of quiet time. Luke self-regulated within 8 minutes and chose to join the cooking activity. No restrictive practices used."

Example 10: Community Behaviour Documentation

"While at the library (Goal 3: Community access), Emma became distressed when another patron spoke loudly nearby. Emma covered her ears and requested to leave. Supported Emma to the quiet reading room as per her support plan. Emma used her noise-cancelling headphones and chose to remain at the library for the full session. Returned to browsing after 10 minutes."

:::tip Notice how each example includes: the specific NDIS goal, measurable observations, the participant's own words or choices, and what level of support was provided. This is the formula for audit-ready notes. :::