Thriving Kids Program Launches: Major Changes Ahead for Young NDIS Participants

The federal government launched the first stage of Thriving Kids on October 1, 2026. This $4 billion program will change how children aged eight and under get help. It focuses on those with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, according to official government announcements. This is a big change for families using the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Foundational supports will increasingly be delivered outside the NDIS in coming years.

Key takeaways

• Thriving Kids started its first stage on October 1, 2026, with universal supports for young children.
• NDIS eligibility rules for children will not change until January 2028. Current access remains in place.
• The $4 billion program is funded by federal, state, and territory governments. Queensland has not signed on.
• Families in Melbourne and across Victoria should expect more supports in schools, early childhood centres, and community settings.

What is the Thriving Kids Program?

The federal government announced the Thriving Kids program in August 2025. This was part of broad reforms to the NDIS. The reforms aim to address concerns about the scheme’s rapid growth. They also address the high number of young children entering the system. Children under 15 make up nearly half of all NDIS participants, according to the NDIS Review (2023). One in two new entrants are under nine. One in ten six-year-olds receive NDIS support (NDIS Review, 2023).

The first phase of Thriving Kids began on October 1, 2026. This phase focuses on universal foundational supports. These are services available to all children and families. Examples include supported playgroups for children aged five and under. They also include information about child development. A Medicare-funded health check for three-year-olds will roll out in November. General Practitioners (GPs) will conduct these checks.

The Minister for the NDIS stated, “We want to make sure children get the right support, in the right place, at the right time.” The program aims to deliver supports where children already spend time. This includes schools, early learning centres, and community spaces. This reduces reliance on individual NDIS packages. Foundational supports are broad, community-based services. They help children develop and participate. These can be universal or targeted assistance.

Targeted supports will begin rolling out from January 2027. These include access to allied health professionals. Examples are occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and physiotherapists. An assessment will be needed for these supports. State and territory governments will design and commission these services. This ensures they suit local needs. However, Queensland has not agreed to participate. This raises questions about service delivery in that state.

Changes to NDIS access for children will not take effect until January 2028. Until then, children can still enter the NDIS under current rules. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has confirmed this. Children with permanent and significant disability will remain eligible for the NDIS. This includes those with high support needs.

What Do the Numbers Show About Thriving Kids?

The Thriving Kids program is a large investment. It will affect many children and families. Here are key figures, according to the NDIS Review and government statements:

Thriving Kids provides universal supports immediately. These include information, advice, and supported playgroups. More targeted supports, like therapies and assistive technology, will be available from 2027. NDIS eligibility will not change until 2028. This gives families time to understand the new system.

How Does Thriving Kids Affect NDIS Participants in Melbourne?

For families in Melbourne and across Victoria, Thriving Kids means more supports will be available. These will be in mainstream settings. Examples include schools, early childhood centres, and community spaces. As an NDIS provider in Victoria, we know families often find it hard to move between different support systems. The new program aims to make this easier. It provides foundational supports where children already are. This reduces the need for separate NDIS funding for those with low to moderate needs.

If you live in areas like the City of Darebin, you may see new supported playgroups. You might also find more information sessions about child development. These could start this month. From January 2027, targeted supports will be introduced. These include speech therapy or occupational therapy. They will be for children who need them, following an assessment process.

Children with high support needs will continue to be eligible for the NDIS. This also applies to those with a permanent and significant disability. However, the government plans to tighten NDIS eligibility. They aim to reduce participant numbers by 160,000 over four years. This highlights the importance of understanding the new foundational supports available through Thriving Kids.

No immediate action is needed for families already receiving NDIS support. Eligibility changes will not happen until January 2028. However, stay informed about new services in your local area. Attend information sessions offered by schools, early childhood centres, or local councils. If your child is nearing age nine, or has low to moderate support needs, discuss future options with your NDIS provider in Melbourne.

What Is Thriving Kids and How Does It Affect NDIS Access?

Thriving Kids is a new $4 billion government program. It delivers foundational supports to children aged eight and under. This includes children with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Foundational supports are broad, community-based services. Examples are supported playgroups, information, and advice. They are delivered in mainstream settings like schools and early learning centres. NDIS eligibility for children will not change until January 2028, according to the NDIA. Families can continue to access the scheme as usual until then.

What Support Will Be Available Through Thriving Kids?

Starting October 1, universal supports are available. These include information for families and supported playgroups for children aged five and under. A Medicare-funded health check for three-year-olds will roll out in November. From January 2027, targeted supports will become available. These include therapies from allied health professionals. An assessment process will be needed. These supports respond to children’s current needs, not just their diagnosis. State and territory governments will tailor them to local communities.

What Happens to Children Who No Longer Qualify for the NDIS?

The government plans to tighten NDIS eligibility from January 2028. They aim to reduce participant numbers by 160,000 over four years. Children with high support needs or permanent and significant disability will remain eligible. For those who do not qualify for the NDIS, Thriving Kids will provide foundational supports. However, concerns remain about possible service gaps. Disability advocates and some state governments share these concerns. This is especially true for children who age out of Thriving Kids at nine but do not qualify for NDIS packages. The government has discussed a possible Thriving Teens program. No concrete plans exist yet.

What Should Melbourne Families Do Next?

• Stay informed about new foundational supports in your area. These include supported playgroups or health checks.
• Attend information sessions hosted by local schools, early childhood centres, or councils.
• If your child is nearing age nine or has low to moderate support needs, talk to your NDIS provider in Melbourne about future options.
• Monitor updates from the NDIA and state government. This includes information about targeted supports rolling out from 2027.

Who Can I Contact for More Information?

For more details, families can contact their local NDIS service hub. They can also check the NDIA website for updates. Victorian families can reach out to their local council or early childhood centre. They can get information about new supports under Thriving Kids. State and territory governments, except Queensland, are developing local plans for the program’s next stages.

The rollout of Thriving Kids marks a major shift in how early childhood supports are delivered. This has big implications for families and NDIS providers in Victoria and across Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thriving Kids program?

Thriving Kids is a $4 billion initiative by the federal, state, and territory governments to provide foundational supports—such as supported playgroups and information services—for children aged eight and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, according to government announcements.

Will my child lose NDIS access because of Thriving Kids?

No, children will continue to have access to the NDIS under current eligibility rules until January 2028. The NDIA confirmed that changes to NDIS access for children will not begin until that date.

What supports are available now under Thriving Kids in Melbourne?

From October 1, universal supports such as information for families and supported playgroups for children aged five and under are available in Melbourne, with a Medicare-funded health check for three-year-olds rolling out in November.

Who remains eligible for the NDIS after the changes?

Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS after January 2028, according to the NDIA.

What should I do if my child is nearing the age of nine?

If your child is approaching nine, start discussing future support options with your current NDIS provider or local service hub, and stay informed about new supports through Thriving Kids and any updates from the NDIA.

Written and reviewed by the LuminCare team — a registered NDIS provider supporting participants across Australia. Last updated 13 October 2026. This article is general information, not personal advice; for decisions about your plan, speak with your support coordinator or the NDIA.