Preparing for WA Thriving Kids
Supporting schools to build strong foundations for inclusion, participation and student success.
As schools prepare for increasing disability, inclusion and wellbeing responsibilities, strong systems, partnerships and support frameworks will be more important than ever.
A national direction shaping how children are supported
As governments move towards earlier, more inclusive and better-coordinated supports for children, schools are likely to play an increasingly important role in identifying needs, coordinating support and promoting student participation.
Funding & Support
Earlier support, delivered closer to where children learn.
Inclusion
Supporting every student to participate and belong.
Early Intervention
Responding sooner when concerns are identified.
Student Outcomes
Improving participation, wellbeing and learning success.
The pressures shaping the case for early preparation
Five converging factors are prompting school leadership teams to review their support systems ahead of time.
Increasing student complexity
Classrooms are supporting a wider range of needs, requiring more coordinated and specialist input.
Growing wellbeing needs
Student wellbeing and mental health demands continue to rise across year levels.
Teacher workload pressures
Staff are balancing more responsibilities, making sustainable support models essential.
Inclusion requirements
Expectations around inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments are strengthening.
Future funding opportunities
Schools with established systems will be best placed to access emerging support pathways.
WA Thriving Kids Readiness Checklist
A practical self-assessment tool designed to help school leadership teams identify strengths, gaps and opportunities as they prepare for future disability, inclusion and student support initiatives.
Inside the checklist
- Leadership & strategic planning
- Early identification & referral pathways
- Student support systems
- Staff capability & confidence
- Learning environment & inclusion
- Family engagement
- School partnerships
A different approach to school-based allied health
Two ways a school can bring allied health expertise on board. The difference is in who carries the workforce, compliance and clinical responsibility.
Employing Your Own Therapist
The school carries every part of the employment, compliance and clinical-support burden internally.
Partnering with Down South Therapy
We manage the workforce and compliance so your team can focus on students.
A pathway from first conversation to trusted team member
Our therapists are introduced thoughtfully and grow into the fabric of school life over time.
School identifies needs
Leadership pinpoints priorities and gaps in current support.
Therapist joins school
A matched clinician is introduced into the school context.
Attends staff meetings
Becomes a familiar, contributing voice in school planning.
Supports students
Provides timely, contextual support where students learn.
Works alongside teachers
Builds capability through collaboration, not hand-off.
Provides professional development
Upskills staff on inclusion and practical strategies.
Supports school planning
Informs systems, processes and resourcing decisions.
Contributes to inclusion
Strengthens inclusive practice across the school.
Becomes part of the community
A trusted, embedded member of the school team.
A breadth of support, coordinated under one partnership
From direct clinical disciplines to whole-school capability building, support can be shaped around each school's context.
A growing library for school leadership teams and educators
Practical tools, guides and external resources to support planning, early identification, student wellbeing and inclusive practice.
Downloadable Tools
WA Thriving Kids Readiness Checklist
A practical self-assessment tool for school leadership teams.
Download ResourceKindy Screening Checklist
A practical checklist to support early identification and discussion.
Download ResourceSpeech & Language Milestones
A quick reference guide for expected communication development.
Download ResourceEarly Language Strategies
Simple strategies educators can use to support early communication.
Download ResourceProfessional Learning & External Resources
DLD Training for Educators
Free professional learning for educators through The DLD Project.
Access TrainingStudent Wellbeing Hub
Evidence-informed wellbeing resources for Australian educators.
Visit ResourceNeurodiversity Affirming Resources
A curated collection of neuroaffirming resources and supports.
Visit ResourceComing Soon
Professional Learning Catalogue
View the professional development sessions available to relationship schools and identify topics that align with your staff development priorities.
School Partnership Planning Guide
Practical advice for building effective allied health partnerships.
Trusted by schools across WA
For more than 15 years, Down South Therapy has partnered with schools to support students, educators and leadership teams through practical, school-focused allied health services.
Years Supporting Schools
Partnering with schools across WA since 2011.
Allied Health Disciplines
Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy and Psychology.
Therapists Across WA
A growing multidisciplinary workforce supporting schools and families.
School Focused
Flexible support designed around the needs of schools and students.
Schools Partnering With DST Receive
Let's explore what could work for your school
Whether you are planning for Thriving Kids, reviewing student support systems or considering allied health partnerships, we would be happy to have a conversation.
Request a Call Back
Complete the short form below and a member of our team will be in touch.