Looking for School-Based Support? 10 Things You Should Know About the ‘Thriving Kids’ Program

Hey there! If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ll know that the landscape of the NDIS is shifting. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? Between the talk of “Foundational Supports” and the big changes coming in 2026, it can feel a bit overwhelming for families trying to navigate the best path for their children.

One of the most significant shifts on the horizon is the ‘Thriving Kids’ program. It’s a major part of the government’s plan to ensure kids get the support they need where they spend most of their time: at school and in early childhood centres.

At Nurturing Hands Allied Health P/L, we’re already deeply embedded in this “natural environment” approach. We don’t believe therapy should only happen within the four walls of a clinical office. We’re already out there in the community, providing mobile therapy and supporting kids right in their classrooms.

Because of my lived experience, I know firsthand how important it is for support to be accessible and integrated into daily life. It shouldn’t be another “job” for the family to manage.

So, let’s break down what you need to know about this new initiative and how we’re helping families stay ahead of the curve. Here are 10 things you should know about the Thriving Kids program.

1. It’s Specifically for the Under-8s

The Thriving Kids program is designed for children aged 8 and under. The goal is “early intervention” in the truest sense of the word. The government is moving towards a model where kids with developmental delays or autism can get help early, without necessarily needing a full NDIS plan right away. If your child is in this age bracket, these NDIS reforms will likely change how you access certain services over the next few years.

2. Targeting ‘Low to Moderate’ Support Needs

One of the main reasons for this shift is to create a clearer path for different levels of need. Thriving Kids is intended for children with low to moderate support needs. The idea is that if a child needs a bit of extra help with communication, social skills, or physical coordination, they can get it through this community-based program. Children with more complex, high-intensity support needs will generally remain within the NDIS framework.

3. The 2026 Launch Date

Mark your calendars: or at least keep them in mind! The program is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with a full rollout commencing from October 1, 2026. While that might feel like a while away, the transition planning is happening now. That’s why at Nurturing Hands, we are already registered and ready. We’ve made sure our systems and service delivery models align with these reforms so our families aren’t left scrambling when the calendar flips over.

4. Support Where the Kids Are

This is the part we love most. Thriving Kids is all about delivering support in “natural environments.” This means health services, early childhood centres, and, most importantly, schools. Instead of you picking your child up early from school and racing across town to an appointment, the support comes to them. This mobile therapy approach is something we’ve championed since day one. We already visit schools and homes because we know that’s where the real progress happens.

5. A Huge Investment in Early Intervention

The government isn’t just changing the name of the program; they are putting serious money behind it. There is a $4 billion commitment over five years to get this first phase off the ground. This funding is designed to make allied health services more accessible across the board, reducing the “postcode lottery” where some families have great access and others have none.

6. Faster Access Without the Red Tape

We’ve all heard the stories (or lived them) of waiting eighteen months for a formal diagnosis just to get a foot in the door for support. Thriving Kids aims to change that. By embedding school support and screening programs, the goal is to get help to students within weeks. Early identification in Prep and Grade 3 will help catch kids who are struggling with literacy or social skills before they fall behind.

7. The 2028 NDIS Transition

If your child is currently on an NDIS plan for mild to moderate delays, you won’t be moved overnight. The current timeline suggests that families in this category will transition to the Thriving Kids/Foundational Supports model by 2028. This gradual shift is intended to ensure there is no disruption to the therapy your child is already receiving.

8. It’s a Team Effort (Including the Teachers!)

One of the best things about school-based support is that it involves the teachers. In the Thriving Kids model, allied health professionals and assistants provide practical advice for classroom management and environment assessments. At Nurturing Hands, our Allied Health Assistant (AHA) support is perfect for this. Our AHAs work under the guidance of external professionals to implement strategies right at the student’s desk, helping to reduce teacher burnout and improve classroom engagement for everyone.

9. A Holistic Suite of Services

It’s not just about one type of therapy. The program is designed to cover a broad range, including speech pathology, psychology, and physical support. We now perform Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) in-house, alongside working with other professionals to ensure the child’s daily routine is supported. Whether it’s working on speech consistency or social skills, the focus is on the whole child. You can read more about why this matters in our post on Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

10. We Are Already Doing This!

While the “Thriving Kids” name might be new, the way it works is exactly how Nurturing Hands operates. We are a mobile-first service. We believe that allied health belongs in the community. Whether it’s helping a child navigate the playground or supporting them to sit through a storytime session, our team is already there. We help families navigate these changes by being the consistent link between the home, the school, and the clinical recommendations.

Why Nurturing Hands is Your Partner in This Transition

Change can be scary, especially when it involves your child’s support system. But at Nurturing Hands, we see these reforms as a positive step toward more integrated, less stressful care.

Because we are already a registered NDIS provider, we have the “quality and safety” boxes ticked. But more than that, we have the heart. We are a small, supportive team. We aren’t a massive, faceless corporation. When you work with us, you’re working with people who understand the daily juggle because we live it too.

We focus on helping you maximise your funding and outcomes by being where you need us to be. If that’s in your living room at 4:00 PM or in the school library at 10:00 AM, we make it happen. You can see how this makes a difference in our blog about why mobile therapy wins for NDIS families.

How to Get Started

If you’re worried about the upcoming changes or if you’re looking for a provider who is already comfortable working within the school system, let’s chat. We can help you understand how to use your current NDIS plan to its full potential while preparing for the 2026 shift.

Our Allied Health Assistant (AHA) support is a fantastic, cost-effective way to get high-frequency, high-quality therapy into your child’s weekly routine. We work under the supervision of your external therapists (like your speech pathologist or OT) to make sure every session counts.

Ready to see how school-based support can work for your family?

You can book a consultation with us through our Halaxy link here: Book with Nurturing Hands

Or, simply scan the QR code below to access our referral forms and contact details directly:

The NDIS world is changing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to hold your hand (literally and figuratively!) and ensure your child has everything they need to thrive, both at home and at school.

For more tips on managing the school years with NDIS support, check out our guide on 7 ADHD-friendly back-to-school hacks or learn about how we support kids dealing with school refusal.

Let’s make sure your “Thriving Kid” has the best possible start!

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About Deb Deb is the heart behind Nurturing Hands Allied Health P/L. With extensive lived experience, she brings a unique, deeply empathetic perspective to allied health. She is passionate about breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that every person: regardless of their diagnosis: has the opportunity to live a full, supported life in their own community.