Therapy Services

 

At Ferndale School we provide a highly skilled and multidisciplinary therapy service. The focus of the therapy service is to enhance educational progress and outcomes for students. Therapists can be contacted by phone at the base offices or by email.

 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is provided for students who have difficulties  that impact on their ability to complete classroom or daily living tasks. OT ranges from teaching a student to dress, to prepare a snack, develop computer skills, or enhancing play skills.

 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy aims to help students with movement problems which may impact on their ability to access the school environment. Therapy may include specific physical  programmes, as well as hydrotherapy, assessment for and provision of assistive equipment e.g. standing frames.  Physiotherapy also provides, rehabilitation support before and after surgery, or modification of class programmes and environments. The main aim is functional participation for all students.

 

Speech Language Therapy

Speech Language therapy intervention supports our students with the development of functional social and communication skills. We also provide  assessment  and  support with safe eating and drinking and the development of play skills. We provide training for forms  of Augmentative and Alternative Communication  including  low and high tech communication systems. 

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Educational Psychologist

The psychologist at Ferndale Te Ahu works closely with both staff and whānau to foster positive changes in ākonga engagement and wellbeing.  Practices adhere to the MOE Service Pathway Guidelines, which include informed consent, engagement, assessment, program planning, and intervention support, with clear timelines for monitoring and review. The psychologist develops and implements both individualized and systemic practices, which involve assessments and intervention support including self-regulation programs designed to address the physical, language, and social/emotional needs of ākonga.