Children and families supported by the team at Upper Hunter Community Health

12 April 2010

Upper Hunter Community Health provides a range of services which support children, helping them develop the skills they need for participating in school and everyday activities.

The school readiness program is an important aspect of the paediatric services provided by the Upper Hunter Community Health Centre (CHC) team.

Occupational Therapist Sarah Thompson explained that school readiness is a combined speech pathology and occupational therapy program, which addresses the expectations of children transitioning into school.

“Sound awareness, listening and attention, story telling, and fine motor skills such as scissor and pencil use, are just some of the areas that are targeted,” Sarah said.

“The program’s group sessions provide a strong educational focus for parents, and they are also lots of fun. We have received plenty of positive feedback from participating children and parents during recent years.”

Parents and carers who have concerns regarding their child’s speech, language, and motor skills are encouraged to consider their referral now.

“Early identification and referral is essential, and ensures that children receive the appropriate level of support before entering school,” Sarah said.

Another program successfully run by Upper Hunter CHC is the Language Development Partnership. The program has run for a number of years with some of the local schools.

“Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists provide services within schools, including prescription of individualised programs for the child, liaison, education and in-servicing,” Sarah said.

“Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists also provide centre and home-based services, to support the development of skills, such as pre-literacy, speech sound development, expressive and receptive language, sensory motor skills development and handwriting.”

Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, and Social Work services are all available at Upper Hunter Community Health Centre in Muswellbrook. There is also a range of visiting specialist paediatric services.

For further information regarding the services available for your child locally, please contact Upper Hunter Community Health on (02) 6542 2050.

Upper Hunter Community Health services the communities of Muswellbrook, Scone, Murrurundi, Merriwa and Denman.

(Ref: HNE-2225)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 0428 106 183