Parents who need time to pause
For rest, appointments, work, personal responsibilities or time to recharge.
Who we serve
Respectful support for children and the people who care for them.
Tender Care welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and aims to provide dependable, inclusive respite support shaped around each child’s individual needs and family expectations.
Families we support
Different families need respite for different reasons.
Support can be occasional or regular, short-term or part of a broader family routine, depending on availability and the agreed care arrangement.
Families building respite into their routine
For families looking for dependable support at agreed times on an ongoing basis.
Evening and weekend needs
For families who require support outside regular daytime hours.
After-school, holiday and break support
For families who need structured support around the school day or during breaks.
Children who benefit from one-to-one support
For children who may benefit from focused attention, structured activities and familiar routines.
Developmental, social or physical support needs
Where Tender Care is appropriately equipped, qualified and permitted to provide the requested support.
Inclusive by design
Every family deserves to be heard without being reduced to a category.
Tender Care’s approach recognizes that children and families bring different routines, cultures, abilities, communication styles, expectations and experiences to care.
Respect
For family choices, culture, ability and individuality.
Belonging
Children should feel welcomed, valued and included.
Partnership
Care works best when families and caregivers are active partners.
Dignity
Strengths, preferences and choices deserve recognition.
The first conversation
Understanding the child comes before planning the care.
The Family Intake form is designed to organize information that can help Tender Care understand routines, safety considerations, interests and family expectations.
1
Child information
Name, age, preferred name and parent or guardian details.
2
Routine & interests
Favourite activities, interests, comfort items and typical daily routine.
3
Care considerations
Allergies, dietary requirements, activities to avoid and important support information.
4
Comfort & communication
What helps the child feel safe, comfortable and understood.
5
Family goals
What the family wants respite care to provide and what they want the child to experience.
Individualized care
What matters to your child should matter to the care plan.
Care planning can consider the child’s interests, routines, strengths, abilities, communication, comfort needs and family expectations.
- Favourite activities and interests.
- Comfort items and familiar routines.
- Dietary needs and allergies.
- Behavioural, sensory, communication or developmental considerations.
- Activities the child should avoid.
- What helps the child feel safe and comfortable.
Parent & caregiver expectations
Families should be able to say what successful respite feels like to them.
The family’s goals for respite care, preferred activities and other important information can help shape a more consistent and useful care experience.
Family communication
Clear communication helps build trust before, during and after care.
Families should know how to share important information and how relevant updates will be communicated.
What should I share before care starts?
Share routines, allergies, dietary requirements, activities to avoid, comfort needs, communication considerations and anything else that may affect the child’s experience.
Can I share goals for respite care?
Yes. The Family Intake form includes space for the parent or guardian to explain their main goals and what they would like the child to do during care.
How are changes to the schedule handled?
Requests for additional hours or changes to scheduled care depend on availability and must be confirmed by Tender Care Respite Services.
What if my child needs specialized support?
Please discuss this before booking. Specialized services should only be offered where the appropriate training, insurance, permissions and regulatory requirements are in place.
A good place to begin
Tell Tender Care what your family needs and what helps your child thrive.
Prepare the Family Intake information or call directly to discuss scheduling, support needs and suitability.