Our team works collaboratively to support student autonomy, independence, engagement, learning and participation in the contexts of their everyday lives.

Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) can help students reach their potential across the day by increasing independence in learning and activities of daily living. Readiness to learn is also an important focus and involves regulation, seating, positioning and movements for learning. OTs also contribute to plans that support our students Safe Moving/Handling.

Our Speech Language Therapists (SLTs) support students to develop functional and autonomous communication. Our SLTs can help with the development of movements for communication and the use of communication assistive technology. Our SLTs support readiness to learn through supporting the development of language and thought processes important for regulation.

Our Physiotherapist (PTs) Our PT works with students to improve mobility, movement, function, and provides specialist equipment to support students participation and engagement in learning activities, whilst being physically active and healthy. Our PT develops Safe Moving/Handling plans in collaboration with the wider team.

Our Psychologist works with students, families and whanau to address social emotional needs, behaviours that interfere with learning and issues relating to specific diagnosis and mental health.

Our work includes:

assessment and goal development
program level and individualised support
information sharing and working together with involved professionals and agencies
supporting health and medical management plans
assessment, development and provision of customised resources and equipment
advice, guidance, and training

How can my child receive help from the Specialists’ Services?

Our team supports all students at Allenvale as a matter of course through bi-annual reviews, informing the development of student goals, supporting student achievement of these goals and being involved with the development of school-wide and in class programmes.

A referral can also be made to the specialists’ services team by teachers, other specialists and family. If you would like a referral for your child discuss the issue with their teacher or specialist and request that a referral is made. The teacher or specialist will write a referral on your behalf. You may request further referrals and support if needed in the future.

What happens next?

The referral will be accepted if we can help. If we are unable to help we will try to find someone who can.

Your child’s referral will be prioritised by need and added to the specialist’s waiting list.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle King, Speech Language Therapist and Specialist Services Team Leader. michelle.king@allenvale.school.nz