A one-of-a-kind on-site pilot program to provide highly specialised language services to Kindergarten students with speech or language challenges has commenced at John Wollaston Anglican Community School.
The life-changing Talkabout Program, developed by Telethon Speech and Hearing, gives more families access to specialist education and health services, including speech and occupational therapy.
The pilot marks the first time the program has been conducted outside the Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre.
John Wollaston’s relationship with Telethon Speech and Hearing extends back to 2015 when they partnered to deliver an Outpost Program within the School. The Outpost Program provided individualised support, including Teachers of the Deaf, Education Assistants and Notetakers, to children with hearing loss.
“The opportunity to pioneer a specialised language program like Talkabout following an Outpost model is very exciting for us,” said Head of Primary School, Tracey Rogers.
“We know about the excellent results that Telethon Speech and Hearing has achieved for children with speech and language challenges, and we are thrilled to be able to offer that support for students in Perth’s southeast corridor.”
A purpose-built classroom at the Early Learning Centre hosts the program and will soon be complemented by a nature play area and bike track.