Thriving Kids: 5 Key Changes Every NDIS Provider Must Know

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing transformative changes, especially impacting early childhood intervention services. At the centre of this shift is the new "Thriving Kids" program, which redefines how children with developmental delays and autism receive support. For NDIS providers, understanding these changes is crucial to remain compliant, adapt service offerings, and effectively support families.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 5 key changes every NDIS provider must know, based on the official Thriving Kids fact sheet and the latest guidance.

What is Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids is a new federal government program designed to reshape how early intervention supports are delivered for young children across Australia. Instead of relying solely on individual NDIS plans, the program will see supports built into everyday settings such as schools, health clinics, and community services.

The aim is simple but powerful: to reach children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental challenges earlier, in ways that are timely, accessible, and grounded in community life. By directing resources through these pathways, Thriving Kids also helps to reduce growing pressure on the NDIS, ensuring it remains focused on its original purpose, supporting people with significant and lifelong disability.

Why Thriving Kids Matters for NDIS Providers

The launch of Thriving Kids marks an important shift for NDIS providers. With changes to eligibility, many children who previously accessed therapy and supports through the NDIS will now be supported within mainstream settings such as schools, health, and community services.

For providers, this means preparing for new funding models, referral pathways, and service delivery approaches, often working more closely with education and health sectors. The intention behind this change is twofold: to keep the NDIS sustainable by prioritising participants with higher support needs, while ensuring children with mild to moderate developmental challenges can access early, community-based supports.

To stay ahead, providers will need to adapt to a more integrated and cross-sector approach to service delivery.
 

5 Key Changes Every NDIS Provider Must Know (and Prepare For)

Shift in Eligibility Criteria

From mid-2027, children under the age of 9 with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism will primarily access services through the Thriving Kids program rather than the NDIS. This change means that NDIS eligibility criteria for young children will narrow to those with significant and permanent disabilities. 

Providers must adapt to these eligibility adjustments, routing families and referrals accordingly to ensure children receive appropriate support in the right system.

New Funding and Support Delivery Model

Thriving Kids will deliver supports through mainstream services like early education, health clinics, and family programs. Unlike the NDIS, which provides individualised funding and plans, Thriving Kids will embed supports within everyday settings to promote inclusion and timely access

Building strong partnerships with schools, GPs, and early childhood services will be crucial. Providers will need to integrate their services into community settings, rather than relying only on individualised plans.

Impact on Providers and Service Offering

As services for children with mild to moderate needs shift from NDIS funding to Thriving Kids, many providers will need to restructure their business models and service offerings. This may include changes to billing, workforce planning, and the types of programs offered.

Expect greater collaboration with schools, family services, and health professionals. Early childhood intervention programs will need to fit within the Thriving Kids model, focusing on family-centred and community-based approaches.

Tightened Compliance and Evidence-Based Supports

The NDIS is reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based practice. Non-evidence-based interventions will no longer be funded, ensuring that only proven therapies and supports are delivered. This aligns with the broader goals of Thriving Kids, which emphasise quality, outcomes, and safeguarding participant wellbeing.

What this means for providers: Services must be reviewed to ensure they are evidence-based. Providers should update clinical frameworks, strengthen documentation, and invest in ongoing training to meet compliance standards.

Phased Rollout and Timelines You Can Plan Around

The Thriving Kids framework is a long-term roadmap, with changes introduced gradually and aligned with wider national reforms, including the upcoming NDIS access and foundational supports shifts from mid-2027.

Key milestones include:

• 2025 – Program design finalised in partnership with states and territories.
• 1 July 2026 – First Thriving Kids services begin.
• Mid-2027 – Full transition of NDIS eligibility for early childhood intervention.

Providers should stay alert to NDIS change announcements and update your service models in line with each reform phase. Early preparation will give you a competitive advantage and ensure continuity of care for families.

How Providers Can Prepare for the Future

Here are four practical steps you can take now to align with Thriving Kids and upcoming NDIS updates:

1. Review services against Thriving Kids goals. Are your programs equitable, inclusive, and family-centred?
    
2. Upskill staff in early childhood development and family-centred practice. Training now will prepare your team for future compliance.
    
3. Build partnerships with schools, health services, and community groups. Create referral pathways and collaborative models.
    
4. Improve data collection and reporting systems. Ensure your organisation is ready for evidence-based monitoring and reporting.
    

Conclusion: Thriving Kids and the Future of NDIS for Children

The introduction of the Thriving Kids program and accompanying NDIS changes represent a major shift in how early childhood intervention and disability services are delivered in Australia. Providers must understand these five key changes to adapt successfully and continue supporting children and families effectively.

By adapting your services to these NDIS updates, you’ll not only meet compliance expectations but also deliver more impactful, inclusive, and future-proof supports for children.

Looking ahead to 2034, this is an opportunity to lead positive change, ensuring children are not only included, but given every chance to truly thrive.

Ready to navigate the new NDIS changes with confidence? Book a free consultation with Labour Care today and get expert guidance tailored to your provider needs.

FAQs about Thriving Kids

1. Will children already on the NDIS lose their plans because of Thriving Kids?

No. Children already in the Scheme will keep receiving supports under usual processes, including reassessments.

2. What is the timeline for Thriving Kids roll-out and corresponding NDIS eligibility changes?

The program begins on 1 July 2026, with services ramping up throughout that year. NDIS eligibility for children with mild to moderate needs will narrow from mid-2027, once Thriving Kids is fully in place.

3. How will Thriving Kids be funded and who is leading it?

The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and state/territory governments. The federal government has committed $2 billion to the program as part of a shared funding arrangement to expand early intervention through mainstream settings .