NDIS School Holiday Programs: What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

The school holidays can be a tricky time for families of children and teens with disability. Routines change, services shut down, and finding the right support program feels overwhelming — especially if you’ve had a bad experience before.

Here’s how to spot a great NDIS school holiday program (and what red flags to watch out for).

✅ What to Look For in a Great NDIS School Holiday Program

A high-quality school holiday program should be:

✔️ Inclusive Supports a variety of needs, communication styles, and support ratios (e.g. 1:1, 1:2, 1:3).

✔️ Structured but flexible Offers clear routines but adapts to each participant's energy, preferences, and abilities.

✔️ Age-appropriate No 17-year-olds sitting in on finger painting with 6-year-olds. Activities should suit your child’s interests, maturity, and development.

✔️ Staffed by trained support workers Not volunteers or underqualified casuals. Look for providers who match staff experience to participant needs.

✔️ Transparent with planning and billing You should know what's planned each day, the cost breakdown (including staff ratios), and what’s included (e.g. lunch, transport, entry fees).

✔️ Focused on goals, not just babysitting A great program includes social interaction, independence building, and fun — not just "filling time."

🚫 What to Avoid in a NDIS School Holiday Program

Be wary of programs that:

❌ Group all ages or needs together This can be unsafe, boring, or developmentally inappropriate.

❌ Don’t have clear staff-to-participant ratios You should know upfront if your child will be supported 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3 — and whether that’s appropriate for their needs.

❌ Overpromise on activities but underdeliver on support A theme park day sounds exciting — but not if your child has anxiety, sensory challenges, or mobility needs that aren’t being supported.

❌ Have no communication plan If you’re not told where your child will be, how the day is structured, or who’s working with them, that’s a red flag.

❌ Don’t align with NDIS goals Programs should support the participant’s growth, even during the holidays.

🧡 The Loving Life NDIS School Holiday Program

Our NDIS school holiday program is designed for teens aged 13–17 and includes:

✅ Small group sizes

✅ Consistent staff

✅ 1:2 support (plus 1:1 if needed)

✅ Structured daily plans

✅ Social skill building and community access

✅ Activities that are actually age-appropriate and fun (no finger painting here)

We’re all about safe fun, social confidence, and helping teens have a great holiday while continuing to grow.

📍 Drop-off and pick-up from our Nerang Hub

🥗 Lunch included each day

🚐 Transport options available

👉 See our upcoming program here