NDIS Registered Provider

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything families need to know about our specialised school care programs for children aged 5–16.

Eligibility

We support children aged 5–16 years who have a diagnosed disability. Our programs are individually tailored to suit each child's developmental level, abilities, and NDIS goals — not just their age.

Yes — our programs are delivered under the NDIS. Your child needs an active NDIS plan that includes funding for Core Supports or Capacity Building Supports. If your child does not yet have a plan, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au to start the access process.

We welcome children with a wide range of diagnoses and support needs, including but not limited to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Global developmental delay
  • ADHD with significant functional impact
  • Acquired brain injury

Not sure if your child's needs are a fit? Call us on 0425 933 777 — we're happy to chat.

We service Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, including Bondi, Bondi Junction, Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra, Kingsford, Kensington, Paddington, and surrounding areas. Our complimentary transport service means we come to you.

Not sure if your suburb is covered? Call 0425 933 777 and we'll confirm.

Funding & NDIS

Our services can be funded from two main NDIS support categories:

  • Core Supports — Assistance with Social, Economic & Community Participation (04): Covers Before & After School Care, Holiday Programs, and Individual Support.
  • Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (07): Can apply to Skill Development programs aimed at building independence.

If you're unsure which budget applies, our team can walk you through it.

Yes. Happy Hearts is a fully registered NDIS provider (ABN: 72 696 714 780). We support participants who are NDIA agency-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed. We handle all NDIS invoicing and claims directly, so there is minimal paperwork for families.

We bill directly to the NDIS on your behalf based on your plan management type:

  • Agency-managed: We claim directly from the NDIS portal — no action needed from you.
  • Plan-managed: We invoice your Plan Manager, who pays us on your behalf.
  • Self-managed: We send invoices directly to you for reimbursement through your NDIS portal.

All billing is transparent and line-item detailed.

In most cases, no out-of-pocket costs are required when your child's NDIS plan includes sufficient funding. We charge at the NDIS price guide rate. If you have concerns about funding levels, we'll work with you and your Plan Manager to find the right solution.

Enrolment

Enrolment is simple. You can:

We aim to respond within 1 business day.

It's helpful to have the following ready:

  • Your child's full name, date of birth, and diagnosis
  • NDIS participant number and plan dates
  • Plan management type (agency, plan-managed, or self-managed)
  • Contact details for your Plan Manager (if applicable)
  • Any relevant medical or support information

Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can gather details progressively.

Places are limited to ensure quality individual attention. We do occasionally have a waitlist, particularly for Holiday Programs. Contact us on 0425 933 777 to check current availability.

Yes — we encourage a meet-and-greet or trial session before full enrolment. This gives your child a chance to get comfortable with our team and environment. Ask us about this when you call or enquire.

Support & Programs

Before School Care runs from 6:30am with a nutritious breakfast, supervised activities, and calm preparation for the school day.

After School Care runs until 6:30pm with afternoon tea, homework support, creative play, and structured skill-building activities tailored to each child's NDIS goals.

Holiday Programs run as full-day programs during school holidays with excursions to Centennial Park, Bondi Beach, Coogee, and Queens Park. Activities are designed to:

  • Build social skills and friendships
  • Develop confidence and independence
  • Engage with the local community
  • Work toward individual NDIS goals

All excursions are risk-assessed and supervised by qualified staff.

We maintain low ratios to ensure every child receives attentive, safe, high-quality care. For children with higher needs, we can provide 1:1 individual support. Ask us about ratios specific to your child when you enquire.

Yes — complimentary pick-up and drop-off is included as part of our service. We use accessible vehicles driven by trained, screened staff across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

Every Happy Hearts team member holds:

  • Relevant disability support or education qualifications
  • A current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • An NDIS Worker Screening clearance
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification

Many of our staff have 10+ years of experience in disability and community services.

For Parents

We believe families are essential partners in care. You can stay involved by:

  • Participating in your child's initial goal-setting and care plan
  • Receiving daily updates from our team at pick-up/drop-off
  • Joining scheduled progress check-ins (termly or as needed)
  • Sharing feedback at any time via phone or email

We have an open-door communication policy — reach us anytime on 0425 933 777.

Our staff provide verbal updates at pick-up and drop-off each day. We also offer written progress notes and formal reviews aligned with your child's NDIS plan review dates. Any concerns are communicated promptly — we never wait for a scheduled meeting to flag something important.

All staff are First Aid and CPR trained. Before your child starts, we collect a detailed health and emergency management plan including medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. In the event of a medical incident, we follow your child's plan, contact emergency services if needed, and notify you immediately.

We follow the NDIS Short Notice Cancellation policy. Cancellations made with less than 2 business days' notice may be charged at the short-notice rate per the NDIS Price Guide. We understand life can be unpredictable and always handle these situations with flexibility and understanding.

We genuinely welcome feedback. You can:

If your concern remains unresolved, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help — no question is too big or too small.