The year your child finishes school is one of the biggest transitions in an NDIS plan. Here's what to know about School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and what comes next.
The shift
While your child was at school, a significant chunk of their week was structured by the education system. After school, that structure is gone. NDIS plans need to expand to fill the gap, with community access, life skills, employment preparation, and social opportunities.
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
SLES is a two-year, intensive, outcomes-focused support program for NDIS participants transitioning from school into work. It includes work experience, travel training, interview skills, money management, and workplace behaviour. SLES providers run programs, but the hours count against your NDIS budget.
Whether SLES is right depends on goals. If employment is realistic within 2 to 3 years, SLES can fast-track it. If paid work isn't on the horizon, other supports (day programs, community participation, capacity building) may fit better.
Don't accept SLES as the only option. Many school leavers benefit more from 1:1 mentoring, tailored life skills support, or a part-time TAFE course. Design the plan around your goals, not around what's standard.
Life skills that matter
- Public transport, repeated practice with a mentor until independent
- Money management, using physical cash, then cards, then apps
- Cooking, starting with one meal and building a repertoire
- Social scripts, what to say at job interviews, at appointments, on the phone
- Safety, online safety, stranger awareness, home safety
- Self-advocacy, speaking up, asking for help, saying no
Mentoring over instruction
At this age, instruction-style support (worker-led activities, compliance-focused) often triggers resistance. What works instead: mentor-style support, shared activity, modelling, gentle follow-through. Match workers in a similar age bracket where possible, the dynamic changes completely.
The first three months
Expect rocky weeks. Transition is hard even when everyone's supportive. Build in: fewer hours at first ramping up, extra family time, consistency of worker, and a flexible plan. The goal isn't a polished routine in week one, it's finding what works over three to six months.
Parents: prepare yourselves
Parents often underestimate how much the school ending affects their own routine. Many find themselves with new responsibilities, more time at home, and emotional weight. Plan for that, respite, self-care, and a conversation with your LAC about what support you might need too.
Transitioning a school leaver? We source mentors, not just workers. Submit a referral with age, interests, and goals.
This article is general information, not personal advice. Every NDIS plan is different, talk to your LAC, plan manager or support coordinator for guidance specific to your situation.