NDIS School Holiday Programs: The Parent's Guide

What are NDIS school holiday programs?

NDIS school holiday programs are structured, goal-focused programs that run during the school holidays, specifically designed for children, teenagers, and young adults with disability. They give participants structured opportunities to build social skills, independence, and community confidence during the break.

A good school holiday program is more than a babysitting service. The best programs offer genuine experiences, excursions, creative activities, sport, cooking, and social events, with appropriate support so participants can participate fully. They're a chance to try new things, make friends, and build social confidence.

How are they funded?

Most school holiday programs are funded through the Assistance with Social and Community Participation sub-category of Core Supports. This is one of the most flexible parts of your NDIS plan.

Programs that include overnight stays (camps) may also draw on Short Term Accommodation (STA). STA has its own daily rate, separate from the hourly community participation rate.

The key question is whether your child's plan has sufficient Core Supports budget. If they attend programs regularly throughout the year, you need to make sure the annual plan budget accounts for school holiday programs, not just term-time supports.

What to look for in a program

Not all school holiday programs are the same. Here's what to look for when comparing providers:

• Staff-to-participant ratios ask specifically. A ratio of 1:3 or better is appropriate for most programs; higher support needs may require 1:1 or 1:2.
• Staff qualifications and experience all support workers should have NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and relevant training. Ask if staff have specific experience with your child's disability or support needs.
• Activity variety good programs mix physical, creative, social, and community activities across the week.
• Age and ability grouping your child should be with peers at a similar stage, not mixed across a 10-year age range.
• Communication with families you should receive a clear program schedule, emergency contact information, and regular updates if anything changes.
• NDIS registration registered providers meet minimum quality and safety standards. Agency-managed plans can only use registered providers.

How to book

The booking process varies by provider but generally involves:

1. Check availability look at the program dates and confirm there are places available. Don't wait, popular programs fill early.
2. Complete an enrolment form providers need information about your child's support needs, NDIS plan details, emergency contacts, and any medical or behavioural information relevant to their safety.
3. Confirm NDIS funding you'll need to provide your NDIS plan details (or your plan manager's details) so the provider can confirm funding before the program starts.
4. Sign a service agreement this sets out what will be provided, when, at what price, and the cancellation policy.

4titude's school holiday programs

We run school holiday programs at our community hubs across NSW Western Sydney, Lake Macquarie, and the South Coast. Our programs are designed for participants aged 7 and above, with separate streams for children, teens, and young adults.