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School holidays remove the rhythm and supports that term time provides, which can leave families caring full time for weeks. Short Term Respite (STR) is one of the most practical ways to get through the holidays well, for your child and for you, and the key is to plan ahead.
Why school holidays are so demanding
During term, the school day provides structure, supervision and social contact. When that disappears, the load shifts entirely back to the family, often on top of work and other children. Add disrupted routines, closed therapy services and long, unstructured days, and even the most capable parents can find the holidays overwhelming. Recognising that is not a weakness, it is exactly why respite exists. Our article on why respite matters for kids with disability explores this further.
How respite helps over the holidays
A holiday respite stay does two things at once. For your child, it is a positive change of scene with support on hand, a chance to enjoy new surroundings and activities in a safe environment. For you, it is genuine time to rest, catch up, or simply be present for the rest of the family. A well timed break can be the difference between surviving the holidays and actually enjoying part of them.
The bigger picture: Regular breaks help prevent the slow build up of carer burnout that long stretches without a break can cause.
Plan ahead, because holidays book out
This is the single most important tip: book early. School holiday periods are the busiest time of year for respite, and quality accommodation and experienced support workers get reserved well in advance. If you wait until the holidays are upon you, your options narrow.
1. Standard holiday periods
As a rough guide, start planning four to six weeks ahead so you have a real choice of accommodation and the right support workers.
2. Christmas and summer break
Start earlier still. This is the busiest stretch of the year, so the sooner you lock in dates and funding, the better.
Tip: Pair your booking date with a quick funding check so you can confirm both at once and avoid last minute scrambling.
What to look for in holiday respite for a child
Holiday respite can be arranged in different settings, and the right fit depends on your child. The two common options compare like this:
| Option | What it suits |
|---|---|
| Self contained accommodation | A private home lets your child keep familiar routines around sleep, food and downtime. Meals and activities are flexible and self directed, so the days can be shaped around your child. |
| Group or facility based respite | A shared setting can suit children who enjoy social contact, group activities and the structure of a staffed environment alongside other participants. |
Whichever setting you choose, look for these things:
- The right support workers. Workers who are experienced with children and comfortable with your child’s specific needs, including 1:1 support where required.
- Accessibility and safety. A home or facility set up for your child’s mobility, sensory and safety needs.
- Flexibility. The ability to tailor the stay, including bringing your own support worker if your child is more settled with someone they know.
How to fund holiday respite
STR for a child is funded from the participant’s Core Support budget, the same as any other respite. Because holiday demand is high, it is worth confirming your available funding early with your plan manager or support coordinator so you are ready to book. Our guide on how to fund respite through your NDIS plan walks through the options, and we can help you check what is available.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book school holiday respite?
As a rough guide, start planning four to six weeks ahead for standard holiday periods, and earlier still for the Christmas and summer break, which is the busiest time of year.
How is respite for a child funded under the NDIS?
STR for a child is funded from the participant’s Core Support budget, the same as any other respite. Confirm your available funding early with your plan manager or support coordinator.
Can my child bring their own support worker?
Yes. Holiday stays can be tailored, including bringing your own support worker if your child is more settled with someone they already know.
Get the holidays sorted early
If the next school holidays are on your mind, now is the time to plan a stay that gives your child a great break and gives you one too.
Send a booking inquiry