What this provision does
This provision allows the student to take breaks from the exam to breastfeed a baby or express breast milk.
Who this provision is for
This provision is for students who are breastfeeding and need time during exams to feed or express milk.
How it works on the day
The student must arrange for a separate carer to look after the baby outside the exam room.
The student must inform the exam supervisor each time they need to take an infant-feeding break. The supervisor will accompany the student to a designated room where they may breastfeed or express milk. The baby’s carer is not permitted to enter this room during the break.
During infant-feeding breaks, the student is not allowed to read, write, make notes, or access the exam paper, the internet or any other unauthorised materials.
The supervisor will record the duration of each break and add this time to the student’s finishing time. There is no limit to the number or length of infant feeding breaks, provided the total exam time does not exceed five hours.
What supporting information is needed
Examples of supporting information for this provision include:
- A medical document confirming the pregnancy and expected delivery date OR a medical document confirming the birth
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration.
Where to find more information
Schools can find forms and templates for most types of supporting information through the Schools Online platform. They will print out the relevant forms and give them to students, parents or caregivers as needed.
If the types of supporting information that we listed above don’t seem relevant, please contact the Student Support team to discuss your circumstances. You can contact us on: