After School
Our after-school skills program is for kids still attending school, primary or high school.
What We Focus On
The after-school program at Peppermint Place isn't just somewhere for your child to be — it's somewhere for them to grow. Every afternoon is built around four key areas that work together to support the whole person: how they connect with others, how they communicate, how they manage their world, and how they express who they truly are. Because real capacity building happens when the program works around the individual — not the other way around.
Social Skills
Building real connections — not just social scripts
At Peppermint Place, social skills aren't taught from a textbook. They're developed naturally through shared experiences, side-by-side activities, and genuine moments of connection with peers who just get it. Our team actively creates opportunities for friendships to form — noticing when two people might click, and gently making that magic happen.
Communication Skills
Every voice is welcome here — in whatever form it takes
Whether your child communicates verbally, through AAC, with pictures, or through behaviour, we meet them exactly where they are. Our focus is on building confidence and expanding communication in ways that feel natural and meaningful for each individual — never forcing one method over another, always celebrating every step forward.
Self-Regulation
Learning to understand the big feelings — and what to do with them
Emotions can be big, overwhelming, and hard to navigate — especially in a group environment. We support each person to develop their own toolkit for recognising and managing how they feel, using calm, individualised strategies that work for them. Our environment is designed to feel safe and predictable, so regulation becomes something that's practised, not just expected.
Self-Expression
Because who they are matters just as much as what they learn
Not every moment needs to be structured learning — and at Peppermint Place, it isn't. Creative activities, games, and genuine free time give each person space to explore what they love, show the world who they are, and just enjoy being themselves. This is where personalities shine, interests are celebrated, and fun is absolutely part of the program.
The Afternoon Routine...
Once everyone's back and settled, the afternoon begins with a snack and some free time — and that's very much by design. After a full day of structured learning, the last thing participants need is more of the same.
Instead, our team weaves into the afternoon naturally — initiating games, sparking conversations, noticing who might enjoy doing something together and making it happen. The skill-building is real and intentional, but it happens through play, connection and genuine fun rather than formal sessions. Social skills, communication and self-regulation are all being supported — it just doesn't look like school, and that's exactly the point.
We also support personal care needs throughout the afternoon, and where it's appropriate, we gently build life skills into the routine too — things like toileting independence and getting dressed. Small steps that add up to real progress over time.
Parents and carers are welcome to collect their child any time up to 6pm.
What's Here To Keep Them Engaged?
Peppermint Place is set up to support every kind of participant — the movers, the makers, the gamers, the quiet explorers and everything in between.
Inside, you'll find arts and crafts, sensory play areas, a TV, social games, books, and a full range of toys — cars, trains, dinosaurs, dolls, Barbies, blocks and more. We also have a Nintendo Switch, which is brilliant for building turn-taking skills and works as fantastic high-motivation engagement for tech-loving kids.
Outside, there's a trampoline, multiple swings for fun and sensory regulation, climbing equipment, and plenty of space for gross motor play. Sometimes we'll do a group cooking activity just for the joy of it. And always — always — there's space for self-directed play, because choosing what you do and doing it your way is a skill in itself.
NDIS Funding
The after-school program can be accessed using the following NDIS funding types:
Core Funding Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
Capacity Building Increased Social and Community Participation, or Improved Daily Living — Other Supports
Not sure which funding type applies to your child's plan? No stress — just mention it when you get in touch and we'll help you figure it out together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Days and Hours Does the Program Run?
The after-school program runs Monday to Friday during the regular school term. We collect from Pine Rivers Special School at 2:40pm and participants can be picked up any time until 6pm.
What's The Staff to Participant Ratio?
Support ratios range from 1:1 through to 1:3, depending on each individual's needs. This is discussed and confirmed during your enrolment meeting so the right level of support is in place from day one.
What Ages Does the Program Cater to?
The after-school program is open to school-aged participants from Prep through to Year 12.
How Many Spots Are Available?
We have capacity for up to 12 participants per day. We do currently have a waitlist, so we encourage families to get in touch as early as possible to secure a place.
Can My Child Access 1:1 Support?
Absolutely. If your child needs 1:1 support, we can accommodate that — just let us know and we'll make sure the right level of care is in place.
What Should My Child Bring Each Day?
Pack a change of clothes, any personal care items they need, and their own specific snacks or comfort items from home. We provide afternoon tea, but if your child has particular favourites or comfort foods, bring them along and we'll make sure they're taken care of.
What Happens If My Child is Having a Really Hard Day?
Our team will always try everything we know works for your child first — drawn from what you've shared with us at enrolment. If those strategies aren't helping and your child remains extremely distressed, we'll call you to talk through what else we can try together before we'd ever suggest an early pickup. You won't get a call out of nowhere — we work with you, not around you.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
We require 48 hours notice for cancellations. If you're unsure whether this applies to your specific funding type, just ask us at enrolment and we'll walk you through it.
Can a Sibling Attend The Program?
Yes — siblings are welcome! Just keep in mind that the same support rates apply regardless of whether your child has an NDIS package. Siblings without NDIS funding are welcome to attend but will need to be privately funded by the family.
Do You Administer Medication?
Yes, we do. Medication consent and details are captured as part of the enrolment process so everything is in place before your child's first day.
GETTING STARTED
Ready to join us? Here's how it works:
Start by submitting a registration form, and we'll be in touch to arrange a visit — a relaxed, no-pressure chance for you and your child to explore the space, meet the team, and get a feel for whether Peppermint Place is the right fit. If everyone's happy, we'll send through a service agreement and get everything confirmed for their first day.
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions about whether or not Peppermint Place is a good fit for your child/young adult, or regarding your NDIS package and how it could be used for one of our programs, please fill out the form, and a lovely human being will contact you.