Return to School Programs
Supporting a Smooth Transition Back to School for Students with Special Needs
At Sigma Therapies, we offer comprehensive Return to School Programs to help students with special needs or disabilities transition smoothly back into their school environment.
Our Occupational Therapists work closely with students, families, and schools to develop personalised support plans that address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Whether the student is returning to school after a period of absence or requires ongoing support to thrive in the classroom, our programs are designed to ensure a successful and confident return to school life.
What is a Return to School Program?
A Return to School Program is a structured plan designed to help students re-integrate into the school environment after a prolonged absence or to address challenges related to disabilities or special needs.
Our program focuses on building the skills needed for academic success, social interaction, and independent functioning within the school setting. This includes assessing the student's current abilities, identifying areas for improvement, and providing strategies and support to help them cope with the demands of school life.
At Sigma Therapies, we provide in-home and school-based Occupational Therapy support to ensure that students are equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
How Our Our Return to School Programs Can Help You
Our Return to School Programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. We provide support for:
Students Returning After Injury or Illness:
Whether recovering from physical injuries, mental health challenges, or a long-term illness, our program helps students regain confidence and re-establish routines for academic success.
Students with Disabilities or Special Needs:
We provide specialised support for students with physical disabilities, developmental delays, or learning challenges, ensuring they have the right tools and accommodations to succeed in the classroom.
Support for Transitioning to New School Environments:
Our program helps students transitioning to a new school, grade, or educational setting by providing strategies for adjusting to new routines, teachers, and social groups.
Developing Classroom Skills:
We focus on improving key skills needed for academic success, including attention, organisation, handwriting, motor skills, and social interaction.
Managing Anxiety and Emotional Wellbeing:
Returning to school can be overwhelming for some students. We provide emotional support and coping strategies to help students manage anxiety, stress, and social pressures.
Returning to School after Injury or Illness
Support for Transitioning to New School Environments
Developing Classroom Skills
What’s Involved in a
Return to School Program?
Our Return to School Programs are highly individualised, taking into account the specific needs and goals of each student. The process typically includes:
Initial Assessment:
We begin with a detailed assessment of the student's physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. This helps us identify any barriers to learning and participation in school activities.
Collaboration with Teachers and Families:
Our Occupational Therapists work closely with teachers, school staff, and families to develop a cohesive plan that supports the student’s return to school. We ensure that everyone involved understands the student’s needs and how best to support them.
Personalised School Support Plan:
Based on the assessment, we develop a tailored support plan that addresses the student’s academic, social, and physical needs. This plan may include recommendations for classroom accommodations, assistive technology, or learning aids.
Classroom Skills Development:
We provide targeted interventions to help students improve essential classroom skills such as handwriting, concentration, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.
Emotional and Social Support:
We offer strategies for managing anxiety, building social relationships, and developing confidence in school settings. This includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and social skills training.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
We provide continuous support to track the student’s progress and adjust the program as needed. Regular communication with teachers and parents ensures that the student’s needs are consistently met.
Why Choose Sigma Therapies for
Return to School Programs?
At Sigma Therapies, we understand the challenges students face when returning to school, particularly those with special needs or disabilities. Our team of experienced Occupational Therapists is committed to providing personalised support that helps students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Experienced Occupational Therapists
Our team has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, providing specialised support to help them thrive in the school environment.
Tailored Programs for Individual Needs
We recognise that every student is unique. Our Return to School Programs are customised to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring they receive the right level of support.
Collaborative Approach
We work closely with schools, teachers, and families to develop a comprehensive support plan that addresses the student’s educational and emotional needs.
In-Home and School-Based Support
We provide flexible support, offering both in-home and school-based Occupational Therapy sessions to ensure continuity of care and integration of the support plan into daily routines.
Is a Return to School Program Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not typically cover Occupational Therapy services for return to school programs.
However, NDIS funding may be available for eligible participants, allowing them to access the necessary support for their transition back to school.
We recommend discussing your funding options with your NDIS planner or support coordinator to ensure the program is included in your plan.