The Wellbeing Page 

Early Childhood Approach for Children 

Did you know that you could get free funding to spend on a variety of different experiences or supports for your child? 

If your child is under 6 years old and has developmental concerns (such as language or articulation difficulties), they can be supported through the Early Childhood Approach. Your child does not need a diagnosis to access supports. This means that your child could receive free speech therapy, occupation therapy, physiotherapy, swimming lessons, psychology sessions and so much more through the NDIS. 

If we could provide every child with speech therapy and occupational therapy, we would. These supports benefit all children (and parents!) - not just students with disabilities. Specialists may only work your child for a few sessions before giving you strategies to continue the work with them at home. 

Cognitive science suggests that early intervention is crucial in setting students up for success - the earlier, the more effective. Early intervention is designed to 'intervene' through targeted support at an early age so that people need less, or no support later in life.

If your child secures NDIS funding, South Melbourne Primary School can support you by hosting your child's sessions at school, within school hours. We also work closely with Allied Health specialists such as speech therapists and occupational therapists. We share and use consistent strategies to work on your child's goals between their sessions. 

The referral form can be found via this link: https://ndis.bsl.org.au/early-childhood/about-us/

You can fill in the form on the computer and return it via email to: bsl.customerservice@ndis.gov.au or you may also print and scan, or post to return. 

If relevant, sent through any reports, assessments, or letters from your child’s treating health professionals, which they can then add to your child’s file. If you do not yet have any updated reports or letters from the treating health professionals, you can send them through at a later date.

Please also see this link for further information: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/early-childhood/early-childhood-approach 

For more information, see the attached information flyer about the Early Childhood approach.

If you need any assistance or have further questions, contact Brotherhood of St Laurence:

Via email BSL.CUSTOMERSERVICE@ndis.gov.au 

or you can call: 1300 275 634.

Lead Family Worker - Port Phillip

We are very lucky to have Jenna Berto working on our maternal health rooms on Mondays! 

You are welcome to pop in and see if she is there.

Alternatively, fill in the referral form and Jenna can give you a ring: Lead Family Worker Referral