ResicareSA runs school holiday programs in Adelaide for NDIS participants of school age, from primary through to the last years of high school. Days are planned around a small group, with support workers who know the participants, and they are built to be fun first: the skill-building happens because the day is worth turning up for.
Programs run in each term break and over the long summer holidays. Places are limited by the staffing ratio, so the January program in particular fills early.
Who the programs suit
Children and young people with an NDIS plan who do well with structure, a small group and staff who understand their support needs. Many of the participants are autistic; others have intellectual disability, ADHD, physical disability or a combination. Each young person has a short support profile written with the family before their first day, covering communication, sensory needs, food, medication and what helps when things get hard.
- Ages 7 to 18, grouped by age and interest
- Staffing ratios set by need, typically 1:2 or 1:3, with 1:1 available
- Autism-aware planning: predictable days, quiet space, visual schedules where they help
- Siblings welcome where a plan allows
What a day looks like
Pick-up or drop-off, a settled start, one main activity and time to decompress before home. Activity days alternate between outings and themed in-house days, so a week has variety without every day being a big excursion.
- Outings: Adelaide Zoo, beaches, bowling, the museum, parks and playgrounds, swimming
- In-house themed days: cooking, art and craft, music, games, science and building projects
- Life skills woven in: ordering food, catching a bus with support, handling money, road safety
- Transport in our wheelchair-accessible van or by arrangement
How it is funded
School holiday programs are claimed from the Core budget in a plan, usually under assistance with social and community participation or group and centre activities. The rate depends on the staffing ratio and the time of day, set by the NDIS pricing arrangements. Transport is agreed in advance. We send a written quote before the program so you and your plan manager can check it against the plan.
Plan-managed and self-managed participants can book directly. NDIA-managed plans can use us because Group/Centre Activities is one of our registration groups.
How to book
Programs are published about six weeks before each school holiday period, with dates, themes and a booking form. Families who have been before are offered places first. If this is your first time, start with an enquiry and we will arrange a conversation and a short meeting with the staff before the program.
- Next program: enquire for the current dates
- Cancellations: in line with the NDIS short-notice rules, which we explain in the booking confirmation
- Regional families: ask about programs in Whyalla and the Copper Coast, which run when numbers allow
Common questions
Are your school holiday programs NDIS funded?
Yes. They are claimed from the Core budget in a plan under community participation or group and centre activities, at the rate for the staffing ratio and time of day in the NDIS pricing arrangements. A written quote is sent before each program.
Do you run school holiday programs for autistic children?
Yes. Many participants are autistic. Days are predictable, groups are small, there is quiet space, and each child has a support profile written with the family before the first day.
What ages do you take?
School age, roughly 7 to 18, grouped by age and interest. Younger children can sometimes be accommodated with 1:1 support; ask.
Where in Adelaide do the programs run?
Pick-ups and in-house days are based in Adelaide's north and north-east, with outings across the city. Transport is included or arranged. Regional programs run in Whyalla and on the Copper Coast when there are enough participants.
When do the next programs run?
Every term break and the summer holidays. Dates are published about six weeks ahead; enquire and we will send the current program and hold a place while you check your plan.
Delivered under NDIS registration group Group/Centre Activities. The Trustee for Resicare SA Family Trust (ABN 97 806 653 206) is a registered NDIS provider, providing services since 2020.
