NDIS School Holiday Programs

What to Expect from an NDIS School Holiday Program

If you’re a parent or carer of a child with a disability, you’ll already understand how important it is to find the right support during school breaks. An NDIS-funded school holiday program offers more than just care between school terms—it provides a safe, engaging and nurturing environment designed to support each child’s individual needs in a meaningful way.

For families whose children are participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), school holiday programs may be accessed using certain types of NDIS funding where the activities support the child’s goals and development.

A trusted provider of NDIS holiday activities for kids, at HealSoul, we’re proud to support families with inclusive, heart-led programs that inspire confidence, connection, and growth. Our school holiday programs are thoughtfully designed to reflect each child’s NDIS goals, offering joyful experiences that also support personal development.

Here, we explore what you can expect and look for in a quality NDIS-funded school holiday program and why HealSoul is a preferred choice for families in Perth and Melbourne.

What Is an NDIS-funded School Holiday Program?

An NDIS-funded school holiday program is a structured, inclusive service supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These programs are designed specifically for children and young people with disabilities, offering fun and purposeful activities during the school break.

These holiday programs encourage development in areas like communication, social interaction, independence, and emotional wellbeing, all while providing families with valuable peace of mind. At HealSoul, our activities are inclusive, therapeutic and most importantly, fun and enjoyable for all ability levels.

While the NDIS does not fund holiday activities on their own, funding may be used for the support required to help a child participate in activities where those supports are considered “reasonable and necessary”. You can learn more on the NDIS planning and supports page.

Key Features of a Quality NDIS School Holiday Program

1. Inclusive and Accessible Activities

Every child deserves the chance to feel included, valued, and involved. A quality program ensures that all activities are accessible and adaptable, meeting the physical, cognitive and sensory needs of each participant.

At HealSoul, inclusivity and enrichment is at the heart of everything we do. Our activities cater to various learning styles, mobility levels, and sensory preferences so every child can join in with comfort and confidence.

2. Fun Meets Purpose

The best NDIS holiday programs for kids are a balance of fun and personal development. HealSoul’s programs feature structured activities that encourage creativity, independence, and self-expression, such as:

• Arts and crafts
• Music and movement
• Sensory play
• Outdoor adventures
• Excursions to parks and community venues

Each day is intentionally designed to be enjoyable while also supporting functional and emotional growth.

3. Highly Trained Support Staff

We know how much trust it takes to leave your child in someone else’s care. That’s why HealSoul’s support team comprises passionate and dedicated professionals trained in disability support, trauma-informed care and inclusive education.

Our kind and skilled team creates a warm, safe space where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged. With low staff-to-child ratios, we offer highly personalised attention and care.

NDIS providers and workers must also meet important safety and quality requirements set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Many providers require workers to complete the NDIS Worker Screening Check to help ensure participant safety.

4. Tailored to Your Child’s NDIS Goals

NDIS funding exists to support your child’s unique needs and goals. A strong school holiday program, like the one at HealSoul, takes time to understand your child’s NDIS plan, strengths, and support requirements.

HealSoul offers a personalised onboarding process to make sure their holiday activities align with your child’s goals under categories like:

• Core Supports
• Capacity Building
• Social and Community Participation

Whether it’s learning new social skills, gaining confidence, or simply enjoying positive experiences, our programs are shaped around your child’s personal journey.

Benefits of NDIS Holiday Programs for Families

Positive Social Experiences

Group activities encourage connection, friendship, and communication. Children develop vital social skills in a natural and fun setting, and many return home with increased confidence and joy.

Safe, Supportive Environment

Parents and carers can feel at ease knowing that their child is being cared for by skilled professionals in a structured, well-supervised and fun setting.

Respite for Carers

School holiday programs offer valuable respite for families, allowing parents to take a break, focus on work, or spend time with other family members while their child enjoys a fulfilling experience.

Real-World Learning Opportunities

Excursions and community engagement activities give children the chance to practice independence and explore new environments safely.

How to Access NDIS-Funded Holiday Programs

If your child is a participant in the NDIS, you may be able to use funding from your plan under:

• Core Supports (Assistance with Social & Community Participation)
• Capacity Building (Increased Social & Community Participation)

The type of funding that may be used depends on the supports included in your child’s NDIS plan. Your ability to choose providers may also depend on how your plan is managed. NDIS plans can be managed in three different ways:

• NDIA-managed
• Plan-managed
• Self-managed

More information is available on the NDIS plan management page.

HealSoul’s team can help guide you through this process, whether you’re self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. They’ll provide support with quotes, documentation and ensuring the services align with your funding category.

If you’re unsure whether holiday program supports fit within your child’s plan, speaking with your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, or provider can help clarify your options.

Step by Step Guide

1. Review your child’s NDIS plan

Check whether your child has funding that may be used for social and community participation supports.

2. Talk to your provider

Ask how the program aligns with your child’s goals, support needs and funding category.

3. Confirm how the plan is managed

This can affect how services are booked and paid for.

4. Request quotes or supporting documents if needed

HealSoul can help provide the information you need.

5. Book early

School holiday programs can fill quickly, so it helps to secure a place as soon as you are ready.

Choosing the Right NDIS Holiday Program

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing:

• Ensure the provider is registered with the NDIS
• Ask about staff qualifications and support ratios
• Check if the program aligns with your child’s goals
• Look for flexible, interest-based activities
• Read testimonials from other families
• Ask how activities are adapted for different abilities
• Check safety and supervision arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions about NDIS School Holiday Programs

Can NDIS funding be used for school holiday programs?

In some cases, yes. NDIS funding may be used where the support provided during the program aligns with your child’s goals and is considered reasonable and necessary.

What funding category might apply?

Families often use Core Supports or Capacity Building funding, depending on the child’s plan and the type of support being delivered.

Do I need to be self-managed to use a holiday program?

Not always. Children who are NDIA-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed may be able to access suitable supports, depending on the provider and the funding in the plan.

How do I know if a program is right for my child?

Ask about staff experience, support ratios, activity options, safety arrangements, and how the program supports your child’s goals.

Experience the HealSoul Difference

At HealSoul, we’re proud to be a leading provider of NDIS-aligned school holiday programs and are known for our compassionate approach, well-trained staff, and child-centred planning.

We believe every child deserves to have a holiday filled with laughter, creativity, and adventure and that’s exactly what we deliver.

Our NDIS-funded school holiday programs are packed with exciting activities and friendly faces, giving kids the chance to explore, learn and just be themselves in a safe, welcoming space.

We don’t just offer run-of-the-mill NDIS holiday programs, we’re a place where:

• Imagination comes to life through art, music and messy fun
• New friendships grow during group games and outdoor play
• Adventures to new places and exploration is encouraged
• Kids try new things and discover their unique superpowers (strengths)
• Everyone is celebrated for exactly who they are
• Families feel supported every step of the way

Whether your child wants to paint, play, dance, chill, or chat, there’s something for everyone and no two days are ever the same.

With caring staff, awesome activities and an atmosphere that feels like one big team, HealSoul is where your child can experience an environment where fun meets growth and confidence takes off.

Want to learn more?

Visit our official school holiday programs page to explore upcoming program dates, get in touch with our team and discover how your child can get involved in upcoming, exciting holiday adventures.

If you would like to speak with our team about your child’s support needs, contact HealSoul today to discuss program options, funding, and the next steps.