Caroline Chisholm School in Padstow supports primary and secondary students with moderate to high support needs. For families whose young person is finishing there – or at another specialist setting in the area – the move to adult life is a big step, and it helps to understand your options early.
This article is for families in Padstow, Padstow Heights, Panania, Revesby and East Hills. It explains what young people with higher support needs often move on to, how the NDIS funds it, and what to ask when you’re comparing programs.
Post-school life for young people with higher support needs
For school leavers who need a lot of support – with personal care, communication, mobility or behaviour – the most important things in a post-school program are usually safety, consistency and staff who take time to get to know them. Families often tell us they’re looking for:
- a calm, predictable routine similar to school
- the right staffing ratio – often 1:1 or 2:1
- support workers experienced with personal care and different communication styles
- meaningful activities, not just “filling in the day”
- reliable transport, so the family can keep working
- good communication with families at the end of each day
The options
Day program
A day program provides a structured week of centre-based and community activities with trained support workers. For young people with high support needs, activities can be adapted – sensory activities, music, art, gentle outings and personal routines.
One-to-one community access
Some young people prefer individual support to go out into the community on their own terms – a walk, a swim, the library or a favourite café.
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
For young people interested in work, SLES provides work-readiness supports, usually for up to two years after school.
A combination
Many families combine a few days of day program with one-to-one support, therapy or SLES, depending on the NDIS plan.
Checking the NDIS plan before school ends
Day programs are usually funded from the Core – Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation budget, and the cost depends on the ratio. A young person who needs 1:1 or 2:1 support will use more funding per day than someone in a small group, so it’s important the plan reflects this.
- Ask the school for recent reports that describe your young person’s support needs.
- Collect therapy reports – occupational therapy, speech pathology, behaviour support.
- Write down what a typical day of support looks like at home and at school.
- Talk to your support coordinator or LAC about whether a plan change is needed.
Our Condell Park day program – close to Padstow
Our Condell Park centre is a short drive from Padstow and Revesby, and our accessible van provides door-to-door transport from surrounding suburbs.
- open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
- 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 support – including for people with high support needs, complex health needs or behaviours of concern
- support workers with current NDIS Worker Screening clearances
- personal care delivered respectfully, the way each person prefers
- activities chosen with the group – from art and music to walks, pools and parks
Visits are by appointment so we can keep the centre calm for participants. Learn more on our Condell Park day program page, our personal care page and our NDIS services in Padstow page.
Tips for a smooth first term
- Share a one-page profile: likes, dislikes, communication, routines and what helps when things get hard.
- Start with shorter days, then build up.
- Visit together before the first day so the space and staff feel familiar.
- Ask for a regular update – a quick message or a communication book.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a day program near Padstow for young people with high support needs?
Yes. Our Condell Park centre supports people with a wide range of needs, with ratios from 1:3 up to 2:1, and door-to-door transport from Padstow and nearby suburbs.
Can you support personal care at the day program?
Yes. Our support workers help with personal care respectfully and in line with each person’s preferences and support plan.
Can we visit before school finishes?
Yes – visits are by appointment, and where possible we can arrange a trial day for students in their final year of school.
Related reading
Ask about our day programs in Casula and Condell Park
Both centres are open Monday to Saturday, 8am–6pm, with 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 support and door-to-door transport in our accessible van. Visits are by appointment. Call 1800 920 600 to book a time to look around or talk about a trial day.
Beyond Limits is an independent NDIS provider and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any school mentioned in this article. School details are general and may change – please contact the school directly for current information.