Important Update Regarding Program Name & NDIS Update
- YRSPACE
- Oct 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Good afternoon,
As many of you may know, starting from October 3, 2024, there were some changes to the NDIS, including the introduction of a definition of NDIS supports. These changes aim to clarify what NDIS funds can and cannot be used for. The government has released three lists that specify which supports are approved under the NDIS.
In the list of supports that are not classified as NDIS supports, the following is stated:
“Fees and payments for outside school hours care. This includes before school, after school, student free days, vacation care and school holiday programs.”
This has, understandably, led to some confusion regarding our program. We have sought clarification and can confirm that this refers to Department of Education funded/run traditional OSHC Programs.
To clarify, although our program was previously named the YRSDS OSH Program, it is not an Out of School Care Program (OSHC) or School Holiday Program. Below is a comparison between OSHC services and our program:
OSHC Services | Our Program |
OSHC programs are an education and care service. | Our program does not focus on education. It provides support for participants to access and engage in community, social, cultural, and recreational activities in a group setting, either in the community or in a centre. Participants are supported by disability support workers to achieve their individual NDIS goals. |
OSHC programs are eligible for the childcare subsidy. | Our program is not eligible for the childcare subsidy. Daily staffing and support costs are covered by a participant’s NDIS Plan under ‘Core - Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation’ and ‘Group and Centre Based Activities.’ Additional out-of-pocket expenses may apply for daily activities not included in the NDIS funding. |
OSHC programs employ Child Care Workers and educators. | Our program employs Disability Support Staff, who are specifically trained to deliver a range of engaging centre-based and community-based activities in line with NDIS Compliance. All workers have an NDIS worker screening clearance. |
OSHC programs are not funded by the NDIS. | Our program is a registered NDIS Provider, we undergo quality audits to demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. We are registered and invoice for ‘Group and Centre Based Activities – High Intensity’. These support items enable a participant who requires High Intensity Supports, to engage in community, social and recreational activities in a group setting, either in the community or in a centre, in circumstances where a more skilled or experienced support worker is required. (Refer to Supports that are NDIS approved.) |
As mentioned, our program falls under ‘Group and Centre-Based Activities’. In the list of supports that are classified as NDIS supports, the following is stated:
“Supports for participants to access and participate in community, social, cultural, and recreational activities that are provided in a group setting, either in the community or in a centre.”
We acknowledge that the name YRSDS OSH Program has caused confusion. This name has existed prior to the NDIS, and despite discussions about changing it, we had maintained it to avoid unnecessary service disruption for our participants and families.
To prevent further confusion and to better reflect our services, we have decided it is time to change our program name. Going forward, our program will be known as ‘YR SPACE’ (pronounced Your Space, and standing for ‘Yarra Ranges Social Participation and Community Engagement’)
We will continue to offer the same high-quality programs, including our Afternoon Social Club and seasonal group-based recreation activities; only the name will change.
Please note that implementing this change will take some time. In the coming weeks, we will update our:
Website
Email Address
Invoices
Schedules of Support
Service Agreements
Forms
Signage
Policies
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at (03) 9736 3034 or admin@yrspace.com.au.
Warm Regards,
Luke Adams
Manager
This letter was emailed and posted to all families and service providers on the 18th of October, 2024. Download a copy of this letter below.
