DBE Confirms LSPID Grant Use for Class Assistants and Caregivers (South Africa, June 2026)
The Department of Basic Education confirmed that up to 3% of the LSPID Conditional Grant may be used for class assistants and caregivers supporting children with disabilities moving from special care centres into public schools. The update was discussed through the National Task Team on Placement of Out-of-School Children.
The Department of Basic Education confirmed that up to 3% of the LSPID Conditional Grant may be used for class assistants and caregivers supporting children with disabilities moving from special care centres into public schools. The update was discussed through the National Task Team on Placement of Out-of-School Children.
What Changed?
The placement process gained a clearer funding route for learner-level support. DBE indicated that National Treasury approved limited LSPID Grant use for class assistants and caregivers, and that support should follow each learner from the care centre to the school.
Old System vs New System
Children with disabilities moving from community-based special care centres into public schools faced support gaps, and schools and parents had recurring concerns about physical, psychosocial and therapeutic support after placement.
Schools and provinces can plan class assistant and caregiver support from the approved portion of the LSPID Grant for eligible high-support learners. DBE is also developing SA-SAMS inclusive education data changes for piloting in 2027.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Eligible children with disabilities moving into public schools may receive more consistent in-school support through class assistants or caregivers linked to the placement process.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents and caregivers gain a clearer official route to ask how learner support will be arranged when a child moves from a care centre into a public school.
School / Institution Impact
Schools receiving high-support learners may need to plan placement, staffing support, reporting and learner records around the approved grant-funded support route.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers working with high-support learners may receive classroom assistance where a class assistant or caregiver is appointed through the approved grant allocation.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03 to 2026-06-04: National Task Team meeting reviewed placement and retention support
- 2027: SA-SAMS inclusive education module pilot scheduled.
What To Do
- Provincial departments and schools should check LSPID Grant guidance
- identify eligible learners
- plan assistant or caregiver support where approved
- and prepare for inclusive education data reporting changes.
What To Watch Next
Watch for the 2027 SA-SAMS inclusive education pilot, updates on the school funding model review, post provisioning norms, learner transport policy review and guidance on compulsory attendance exemptions.
Global Context
The change is relevant for international comparison of disability inclusion, learner placement from care settings into public schools, and grant-funded support for high-support learners.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Department of Basic Education