Therapy

Speech Pathology

At Eastern Ranges School, we have a dedicated team of speech pathologists who support our students’ communication and learning journeys. We work closely with students, staff, and families to foster effective communication and help each student reach their full potential.

One of the key tools we use is the ROCC (Roadmap Of Communicative Competence) assessment which guides us in understanding each student’s unique communication needs and strengths. This framework helps us to set meaningful and individualised goals as part of each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). We collaborate with classroom staff to implement these goals, providing ongoing support and training to ensure that strategies supporting our students’ communication are used consistently in the classroom.

We also facilitate the trialling, acquisition and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, recognising that each student benefits from individualised communication support.

In addition to individualised support, our speech pathologists are involved in a range of broader initiatives. These include developing teaching and assessment resources and contributing to curriculum and policy development. We also run professional development sessions for staff, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to support students’ communication needs.

Our commitment extends beyond direct intervention to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where communication is valued and nurtured. By working collaboratively with staff, families and students, we strive to ensure every student has the tools and opportunities they need to communicate effectively and participate fully in their education and daily lives.

Occupational Therapy

The primary role of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Ranges School is to support and enable students to participate throughout the school day, to the best of their ability. To achieve this the Occupational Therapists consider environmental factors that affect individual students learning, as well as their interests and motivations.

At Eastern Ranges School the Occupational Therapists work collaboratively within the classroom with teaching and support staff to develop strategies that support students to achieve their learning goals, as well as to access the curriculum. The Occupational Therapists provide consultation to staff in the following areas:

  • Sensory processing and self-regulation – To enable students to be in a ‘ready to learn’ state throughout the day.
  • Play skills – Including imaginative play and social skills.
  • Fine motor skills – To encourage manipulation of small objects and tool use (e.g. scissors, pencils and cutlery)
  • Pre-writing and handwriting skills – including tracing/copying shapes, prewriting lines, letters and numbers.
  • Gross motor skills – Necessary for the classroom such as core strength, coordination and motor planning skills.
  • Self-care – School related personal care tasks such as toileting and eating.

The Occupational Therapists occasionally run group programs for students with similar needs (e.g. fine motor/writing, regulation and fussy eating groups). They also assist classroom staff to develop individualised therapy room programs, for students who need more support to stay regulated in the classroom and to achieve their learning goals. The therapy room contains a range of sensory equipment including swings, tunnels, therapy balls and a trampoline with a crashmat.

At times, the Occupational Therapists participate in case meetings with families and teaching staff to support shared goals. Support is also provided to leadership, classroom and other specialist/therapy staff through Occupational Therapy run professional development sessions and through collaboration around school wide initiatives, curriculum development and resourcing.

Eastern Ranges School has two full time Occupational Therapists and one part time Occupational Therapist who is currently on maternity leave.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy at Eastern Ranges School works to support our students in all areas of development and the curriculum. The Music Therapy program has a flexible service delivery model, determined by individual student goals and the school wide focus.

Music Therapy Services may include:

  • Classroom music therapy developmental sessions
  • Parent/child music based therapy sessions
  • Using music to motivate students to communicate and/or play
  • Using music to assist with emotional regulation
  • Using music to assist with specific motor movements
  • Music composition and Song writing
  • Professional development sessions
  • Development of music resources

Music Therapy at Eastern Ranges School is run by a Music Therapist who has training in Neurological Music Therapy Techniques and is registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Music Therapy is the planned use of music to actively support students as they strive to improve their functioning and wellbeing. Music Therapists incorporate a range of music making methods within and through a therapeutic relationship.