Helping identify strengths and support needs early, where children learn and grow.
Every child develops at their own pace. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether a skill is still developing or whether a child may benefit from some extra support. Our School Screening Program brings Kids Club Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists into your school to take a snapshot of how children are tracking against their developmental milestones. It is the same caring, family-centred team you may know from our Bassendean clinic for kids OT, speech pathology and physiotherapy in Perth.
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A school screening program is a check of the developmental skills children use at home, school and play. Therapists see children in at school, then give families and teachers a short report on each child’s strengths, areas that may need support and practical next steps.
We screen children across a classroom or year group over several days. We look at the skills that support learning, communication and participation at home, school and play. Families and teachers then receive a clear, easy-to-read report with recommendations and handouts for skill development.
Screening helps pick up any developmental concerns early so early intervention can start asap if it is needed. It also celebrates the things children are already doing well. Rather than waiting for a concern to grow, parents and teachers get a clearer picture of how a child is tracking and whether extra support may help.
A kids OT, speech pathologist or physiotherapist from our team visits your school and works with your class or year group over an agreed period, usually across several days. Screening happens in a familiar setting, so we see children in their everyday school routine.
Children join in with short, engaging activities, one on one or in small groups. Where it suits, we may also observe children in the classroom.
Parents and teachers complete a short questionnaire about the child’s development. This adds what is happening at home and at school into the screening report.
We consider how each child is tracking against their developmental milestones and the skills that matter for school, play, learning and communication at home, at school and in the community.
Parents and teachers receive a brief individual report. It outlines the child’s strengths, any areas that may benefit from support, and practical recommendations.
If screening suggests a child may benefit from more support, we recommend what could come next. That might be home or classroom strategies, monitoring, further assessment or therapy with a local provider.
Our Group interventions combine professional guidance with peer interaction to help children practise communication, social and developmental skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Children participate in carefully structured small groups designed to encourage interaction, communication and collaboration while ensuring every child receives guidance and individual support from group facilitators.
Group facilitators guide engaging and enjoyable activities designed to support the development of social communication, teamwork and self-advocacy skills in meaningful ways.
Children have the opportunities to practice meaningful social communication skills such as perspective taking, problem-solving, negotiation, flexible thinking and collaboration in a natural group environment that supports confidence across school and everyday settings.
Schools can choose Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology or Physiotherapy screening, or a combined program. We tailor the areas covered to the age and needs of each school or group.
Our OT screening looks at the skills children use every day to take part in the classroom. Find out more about occupational therapy at Kids Club.
This screening looks at the communication and early literacy skills that help children connect, learn and take part at school. Find out more about paediatric speech pathology at Kids Club.
We look at how children move, balance and keep up with their peers in the playground and on sports day. Each screen is carried out by a child physiotherapist from the team that provides paediatric physiotherapy Perth families can trust.
Children use their developmental skills all day at school. They hold a pencil, sit at the table, follow instructions, talk with friends and manage a busy, noisy classroom. School-based screening lets our therapists see these skills in a real learning environment, working alongside educators and families. Our strengths-based approach looks at what each child can already do, not only what they find tricky.
Screening can help you:
Screening can help you:
Our program gives schools a proactive way to:
Sometimes a child is working harder than their classmates to finish everyday tasks. Other times, a difficulty only becomes noticeable as classroom demands grow. A school screening can be a helpful first step towards early intervention, helping you understand why something feels tricky and what support might help.
Screening in early childhood is highly recommended to identify children at risk of developmental delay at this critical age. Screening provides valuable information to families and teachers about the child’s development and identifies children who may require additional support to develop their skills. Early intervention supports the child’s physical/cognitive/language/sensory/social and emotional development and has both immediate and lifelong benefits for the child, their family, their school and their community.
Our School Screening Program can be tailored for:
We can adapt the process and screening areas to suit the age, needs and priorities of your school.
A screening is a short snapshot of a child’s skills compared with the developmental milestones we would expect for their age. It does not give a diagnosis. If a screening suggests a child may need more support, we may recommend a full assessment, which looks at their skills in much more depth.
Kids Club’s Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists deliver the program. Schools can choose one discipline or a combination that suits their needs best.
We usually work with a class or year group over several days. Each child takes part in brief, engaging activities, one on one or in small groups, so there is very little time away from normal classroom learning.
Yes. Families are asked to give consent before their child is screened. Parents also complete a short questionnaire about their child’s development, which becomes part of the report. The information parents can provide about their child’s development is invaluable to the screening process.
Yes. Teachers and early childhood eductors play an important role in our school and day care screenings as they are able to comment on how the child is developing in these settings. Teachers and educators are asked to complete a quick and easy to complete screening grid prior to our therapists attending the school for screenings. The grid has all of the kids names across the top of the document and all of the skills tested during screening down the side. Teachers just need to put a tick in the corresponding box if they have any concerns and can make notes to expand on this if they feel this is necessary.
Families and teachers receive a brief individual report with the child’s strengths, areas that may benefit from support and practical recommendations. Each child also receives a handout detailing how to develop their skills at home e.g. in handwriting, language development, coordination. If further support could help, we explain the options, such as classroom strategies, monitoring, further assessment or therapy with a local provider. We make recommendations about any relevant referrals for your child, not just therapy e.g. it may be beneficial for them to be seen by a GP, Paediatrician, Dietician, Podiatrist etc. We take a family-centred approach, so parents are part of every decision about next steps.
Yes. Our paediatric physio team screens gross motor skills, balance, coordination, strength and walking patterns at school. They are the same physiotherapists families see for babies and kids physiotherapy in Perth at our Bassendean clinic. If a child would benefit from ongoing support, you can book a child physiotherapist directly, including NDIS physiotherapy and private sessions.
Yes. If screening shows your child would benefit from occupational therapy, speech pathology or physiotherapy following screening you will be provided with a list of providers in your local area to choose from. Support can also be provided by our team at our Bassendean clinic, our Guilford Grammar School clinic in Guildford, or at our Casa Mia Montessori Community School clinic in Bassendean. We can also provide therapy at your home, school, daycare or local playground, wherever is most suitable for your child and family.
The cost depends on the number of children, the disciplines your school chooses and how many days we spend on site. We provide a quote based on your school’s needs.
We work with schools and early childhood settings across the Perth Metro area and can also complete screenings for rural and remote schools and early education centres via telehealth. Feel free to get in touch with our team to find out how you can book a screening for the kids you support.
“My dream was to bring together a small team of caring and experienced paediatric therapists to work closely with local families in a nurturing, safe and calming environment. My aim is to ensure all the families in our club feel supported by our team to live lives that are connected and meaningful. If it takes a village to raise a child, we would love to be part of your village if you need support!”.
Cindy has been practicing as an occupational therapist in Perth WA since graduating from Curtin University in 2002. When Cindy is not at work she loves dance fitness classes, kickboxing, pilates and spending time with her three beautiful girls and their labradoodle Bear who often pops into the clinic to say hello.
“My dream was to bring together a small team of caring and experienced paediatric therapists to work closely with local families in a nurturing, safe and calming environment. My aim is to ensure all the families in our club feel supported by our team to live lives that are connected and meaningful. If it takes a village to raise a child, we would love to be part of your village if you need support!”.
“My dream is to help children to develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent young adults. I love supporting not just the child but their whole family, school and community to achieve goals that are meaningful. I look forward to working with your family”.
Jessica graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009. She has enjoyed working for over 10 years as an occupational therapist in Perth WA. Jess has a passion for working with all children, adolescents and their families. She has experience with working with children and families with complex needs. At home she enjoys spending time with her hubby and their two young energetic boys. Jess loves reading every night to relax and attends karate most evenings!
“My dream is to help children to develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent young adults. I love supporting not just the child but their whole family, school and community to achieve goals that are meaningful. I look forward to working with your family”.
“My dream is to help big and little kids communicate with the important people in their life. I love helping kids feel heard and understood. Clear communication helps build meaningful relationships and emotional and psychological wellbeing for us as humans. It is such a privilege to help kids and their families understand each other”.
Karen received the Hazel Hawke scholarship to complete her bachelor of science in speech pathology at Curtin University in 2017 and was on the vice chancellor’s list multiple times. Karen is passionate about literacy and is experienced in the Sounds~Write Phonics Programme for kids. Karen is mum to four amazing kids and loves reading, yoga and bush walking to relax.
“My dream is to help big and little kids communicate with the important people in their life. I love helping kids feel heard and understood. Clear communication helps build meaningful relationships and emotional and psychological wellbeing for us as humans. It is such a privilege to help kids and their families understand each other”.
“My dream is for all children to thrive and live happy and meaningful lives. I enjoy getting to know each unique child, and working with them and their family, school and other important people in their life to achieve their goals.”.
Joanne graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) with Honours in 2010, and has been enjoying working with children and their families in a community setting over the past 10 years. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys spending time with her husband, toddler and fur-baby at the beach, swan river, and going for bush walks and bike rides..
“My dream is for all children to thrive and live happy and meaningful lives. I enjoy getting to know each unique child, and working with them and their family, school and other important people in their life to achieve their goals.”.
“My dream is to help children flourish and achieve goals that help them to become independent and functional in their occupations at play, home, school and in the community. I love working closely with families to ensure important goals are prioritised and achieved, and I like to think of new ways to make therapy as fun as possible!”
Taryn graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2006 and has been working as an Occupational Therapist in Perth since this time. In her spare time Taryn loves spending time with her husband and three gorgeous daughters. She also enjoys singing, CrossFit and walking her dog.
“My dream is to help children flourish and achieve goals that help them to become independent and functional in their occupations at play, home, school and in the community. I love working closely with families to ensure important goals are prioritised and achieved, and I like to think of new ways to make therapy as fun as possible!”
“To empower children by giving them the tools they need to communicate in a fun, caring and family-centered way.”
Lara completed her Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) at Curtin University in 2018. Lara worked in paediatric private practice in Canberra and Southern NSW before returning to her hometown of Perth in 2021. Lara enjoys all areas of speech pathology but has a particular passion in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as she loves the reward in helping children find their voices. In her free time, Lara finds herself spending time with her four energetic dogs, going to the beach and reading the latest novel.
“To empower children by giving them the tools they need to communicate in a fun, caring and family-centered way.”
My dream is to help children develop their movement skills, build self-confidence in their physical abilities and in doing these two steps, support their participation in play, exploration, sport and whatever activities motivate them. The ultimate reward of my job is the moment I see a child (and their parents!) realise that they can do more than they ever thought possible. Movement opens up life’s doors to a child and their family for the long term. ”
Annie graduated from Curtin University with her Master of Physiotherapy degree in 2009. Since graduating, she has worked in sport, with acute and chronic injuries and since 2014, with children living with disabilities. Annie’s three primary loves in life are family, food and outdoor adventures. When not at work, she is camping with her husband and three young kids, mountain biking, bushwalking, swimming or competing in adventure races. Annie is passionate about supporting children and families in a way that works for them and fits into their life. She regularly attends professional development courses and seminars, and is linked in with a vast physiotherapy network across Australia, to keep up to date with current physiotherapy research and practices, to best support the families that she works with.
My dream is to help children develop their movement skills, build self-confidence in their physical abilities and in doing these two steps, support their participation in play, exploration, sport and whatever activities motivate them. The ultimate reward of my job is the moment I see a child (and their parents!) realise that they can do more than they ever thought possible. Movement opens up life’s doors to a child and their family for the long term. ”
Shayne’s dream is to support children and their families in all aspects of life, including at home, at school and in the community. She loves to see the lightbulb moment when a child achieves their goals. Shayne enjoys collaborating with families, teachers and other important individuals in a child’s life and daily activities. She believes it is a privilege to be involved in supporting the children that enter Kids Club.
Shayne completed her Masters of Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne in 2021. Shayne is passionate about all areas of speech pathology but has a particular passion in the area of phonology and articulation as well as supporting children to be confident in who they are and developing their ability to participate in any activity that interests them. When she is not at work, Shayne enjoys crocheting, buying way more wool than she needs and spending time snuggling with her spoodle, Kuiper.
Shayne’s dream is to support children and their families in all aspects of life, including at home, at school and in the community. She loves to see the lightbulb moment when a child achieves their goals. Shayne enjoys collaborating with families, teachers and other important individuals in a child’s life and daily activities. She believes it is a privilege to be involved in supporting the children that enter Kids Club.
“My dream is that every child who comes to Kids Club for physio will get to say that they’ve had at least one positive experience with movement/physical activity. Developing movement skills is often key to supporting physical, mental and social wellbeing. I really do think even one positive experience can go a long way in terms of self-confidence, self-esteem, and willingness to try new things.”
Sandeep has been a physiotherapist since 2021. He has worked with children with developmental concerns, musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, respiratory/lung issues, and in rehab pre/post-surgery.
Sandeep thinks physiotherapy works best when he actively listens to your child. They are the expert of how they feel and what motivates them. By learning about these things, he hopes to create non-threatening opportunities for them to try slightly tricky tasks, and build handy new skills.
If you know any great local eateries, he will gratefully take recommendations. Discuss your pets to make him jealous (his dog lives in Queensland).
“My dream is that every child who comes to Kids Club for physio will get to say that they’ve had at least one positive experience with movement/physical activity. Developing movement skills is often key to supporting physical, mental and social wellbeing. I really do think even one positive experience can go a long way in terms of self-confidence, self-esteem, and willingness to try new things.”
“My dream is to help kids build the skills they need to succeed in all parts of life – whether at home, school, play, or beyond. I am deeply passionate about not only supporting each child but also empowering their family to reach important goals together. One of the best parts of my job is seeing each child’s progress, no matter how fast or slow it comes. Growth isn’t always linear, and I love celebrating every step, big or small. My dream is to create a safe space where each child feels supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow at their own pace – while having a whole lot of fun in the process!”
Lara completed her Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) at the University of Western Australia before completing her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Curtin University, Perth. With her background rooted in neuroscience, Lara is passionate about helping children understand how their own brains work, empowering them to better navigate their world and reach their full potential. Lara is committed to providing therapy in a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, getting lost in a book, and getting a bit too competitive at quiz nights.
“My dream is to help kids build the skills they need to succeed in all parts of life – whether at home, school, play, or beyond. I am deeply passionate about not only supporting each child but also empowering their family to reach important goals together. One of the best parts of my job is seeing each child’s progress, no matter how fast or slow it comes. Growth isn’t always linear, and I love celebrating every step, big or small. My dream is to create a safe space where each child feels supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow at their own pace – while having a whole lot of fun in the process!”
Screening is often the first step. Our Bassendean clinic offers ongoing kids OT, speech pathology and physio, plus infant physiotherapy for younger siblings who are not at school yet.
Building everyday independence and skills
Improving movement, strength and coordination.
Gentle physiotherapy supporting early development
Give families and teachers a clearer picture of how their children are developing, and help identify support needs early. Get in touch with the Kids Club team to talk through a screening program for your school or day care. You can also contact us about 1:1 occupational therapy, speech pathology or physiotherapy screening in Perth for your own child.