At Occupational Therapy Helping Children, we offer therapy sessions in a variety of settings, including our clinic, schools, and occasionally in the client’s home. We work with several schools across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore, assisting children from preschool age right up to teenagers preparing for their HSC.
Choosing the right setting for your child’s therapy is a crucial decision. Every child is unique, and what supports one child may not support another. School-based therapy has many advantages, especially for busy families who have limited time after school due to sports, homework, and other extracurricular activities. By having therapy sessions during the school day, your child can receive the support they need without sacrificing time for other important activities.
One of the greatest benefits of school-based therapy is that it allows therapists to observe and support your child in their natural learning environment. This close collaboration with teachers ensures that your child’s therapy goals are directly aligned with their classroom needs. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child apply the skills they’ve learned in therapy to their daily school life, whether it’s in self-regulation, handwriting, or social interactions. While handwriting and fine motor skills are commonly addressed in school-based therapy, it also provides an opportunity for therapists to monitor progress on other goals and adjust strategies as needed.
During school-based therapy at OTHC, each child receives a dedicated folder to keep their work organised, along with a communication sheet that is updated weekly to keep parents informed about their child’s progress. Additionally, fortnightly emails are sent to parents to discuss developments and any adjustments to the therapy plan to ensure consistent communication and progress towards the child’s goals.
It’s important to recognise that while school-based therapy can be highly beneficial for many children, it may not always align with every child’s specific needs or therapy goals. Each child is unique, and their therapy should be personalized to address their individual strengths and challenges. For instance, if your child’s goals focus on sensory processing or gross motor skills, a clinic setting might be more suitable. Clinics often have specialized equipment and environments, like sensory swings or climbing walls, designed to support these goals, which may not be available in schools. Additionally, clinic-based settings may be more appropriate for children who need help with transitions and offer the opportunity for face-to-face feedback, along with educational and coaching support for parents and families during sessions.
When choosing the most suitable therapy setting for your child, it’s crucial to consider their unique needs and the kind of support they require to achieve their goals. If you’re uncertain, consulting with your therapist can provide valuable guidance on what may be most beneficial. The aim is to place your child in an environment that optimally fosters their growth, development, and overall well-being.
