Why We Started the School Holiday Day Program

carli215
Aug 9
3 min read

School holidays can be a welcome break — but for many teens with disability, they can also be a challenging time. Without the structure of a school day, it’s easy for routines to fall away, leading to boredom, anxiety, or even a loss of progress towards personal goals.

We saw a real gap in support during these times, which is why we created our School Holiday Day Program. Our aim is simple: to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where teens can keep building skills, maintain routine, and have fun at the same time.

🏗 The Importance of a Day Program: Why Structure Matters in the Holidays

For most young people, structure helps provide a sense of safety and predictability. But for many neurodivergent teens, including those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, structure is not just helpful — it’s essential.

During the school term, the daily timetable gives a clear rhythm: wake up, go to school, attend classes, have lunch, go home. When that disappears for two weeks, it can feel unsettling and lead to:

Disrupted sleep patterns 😴
Difficulty engaging in meaningful activities
Increased anxiety or meltdowns
Less motivation to practise important life skills

Our program provides a balanced approach — keeping enough structure to offer stability, while building in flexibility so teens can relax and enjoy their time off.

🎯 Capacity Building Through Fun: Day Program Fundamentals

We know that learning doesn’t stop just because school does. That’s why our activities are carefully planned to combine fun and skill development.

Here’s what that looks like:

Social skills — joining group games, learning turn-taking, making conversation
Independent living skills — making simple meals, budgeting for activities, navigating public transport
Self-advocacy — practising how to make choices, ask for help, and share opinions
Community participation — visiting local attractions, interacting with new people, and using community facilities

We want participants to leave each day with a smile on their face and a new skill they can use in everyday life.

💛 A Safe and Inclusive Space

Every participant is welcomed into a supportive environment where they feel accepted, respected, and valued for who they are. Our staff are experienced in working with a variety of disabilities and needs, and we’re committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.

We also keep our group sizes small enough to ensure that each participant gets the attention, encouragement, and support they need.

🧩 Supporting Families Too

We know that school holidays can be a juggle for parents and carers — especially when your teen needs extra support to stay engaged and active. By joining our School Holiday Day Program, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that:

Your teen is in a safe, caring environment
They are working on skills that support their independence
They’re surrounded by positive role models and peers

🌟 Why This Program Matters

The transition from school terms to holidays doesn’t have to mean a pause in growth and learning. In fact, with the right environment, the holidays can be an amazing opportunity for teens to: