Get great outcomes from school-based physiotherapy

School-based physiotherapy support is a great way to target gross motor skills and enhance your child’s inclusion at school. With the right preparation, in-school sessions can make a big difference to your child’s development.

How in-school physiotherapy works

Northcott physiotherapists can deliver therapy support to your child at school. You’ll need to talk with your school to make a request and ensure arrangements align with the school’s schedule and the academic needs of your child.

School-based physiotherapy sessions are often run in the playground, oval or a dedicated space where 1:1 support can be comfortably and safely provided. Sessions are scheduled at a time agreed between you, your physiotherapist and the school. This is usually outside key learning blocks to minimise class disruption and learning opportunities for your child.

At the start of the in-school sessions, your child’s physiotherapist may observe a Health and Physical Education class to gain a better understanding of the specific needs of your child. Following this, they may decide to work with your child individually to target specific sports skills. If required, your physiotherapist will bring equipment to help with working towards your child’s goals.

Like home and centre visits, in-school sessions are typically 45 minutes, with additional time allocated for note taking and correspondence by the physiotherapist.

What to tell your child

Some children may be anxious or worried about changes to their routine. It’s a good idea to let your child know about the physiotherapy sessions at school. Explain to them that their physiotherapist may be at school to watch them and that they will be running therapy sessions at school.

If your child is having 1:1 sessions, tell them they will leave the classroom for a short period of time to do activities and exercises with their physiotherapist.

If your child hasn’t met the physiotherapist, show them a photo beforehand and talk to them about what is likely to happen. Northcott physiotherapists can send through a photo or create a social story for you to share prior to starting the in-school sessions.

Some schools may be able to provide a support teacher or teacher’s aide to participate in some or all of the session, particularly if your child hasn’t worked with the therapist previously. Speak with your school about this possibility.

How to support your child

Attending your child’s first in-school appointment (in person or via telehealth) can reduce some anxiety, especially when the physiotherapist is new to your child. Having familiar support staff from the school present for part of the appointment can also ease any concerns they may have.

Dress your child in appropriate clothing and footwear for the therapy session. This could be their HPE uniform or sport shorts under the school dress.

In the morning, let your child know the physiotherapist is visiting them at school that day and explain what may happen in the session (for example, observation or 1:1 support away from the classroom, structured play or adult-led activities).

Encourage your child to give it their best go, and make sure they understand that they should let the physiotherapist know if they are in pain.

To enhance your child’s development, you may be asked to continue exercises and activities at home. To help ensure these at-home sessions are successful, make them fun (particularly for younger children) and try to involve the whole family or other siblings. You can discuss ways to incorporate exercises and activities and activities in your daily routines with your physiotherapist.

How physiotherapists work with teachers and school staff

If you are in Queensland and the therapy support is funded through the Specialist Disability Support in Schools (SDSS) program, Northcott’s physiotherapists will set therapy goals with school staff. Our team will encourage your school to include you in the goal setting process.

If the therapy services are funded through an NDIS Plan or you are paying yourself, our physiotherapists will work with you to set the therapy goals. They will also discuss goals with the school staff to encourage consistency and help your child achieve the best possible results.

Northcott therapists also liaise with Department of Education and Training physiotherapists (if your child has access to one) to ensure everyone is working on the same page, but not overlapping the support.

What to expect from your physiotherapist

Your Northcott physiotherapist will keep you regularly updated on your child’s progress. The frequency of this correspondence varies and will depend on your preferences. Some families prefer feedback after each session, while others prefer monthly or quarterly telehealth appointments to discuss progress and review goals. Your physiotherapist will discuss what works best for you.

Contact Northcott to discuss in-school physiotherapy for your child

School-based physiotherapy can make a world of difference to your child’s progress. Northcott’s physiotherapists have availability to support your child at school. Contact us today!

Specialist Disability Support in Schools Physiotherapy