Support to learn

A new pilot program has been launched to provide educational support for Onslow Primary School students with learning disabilities and impairments.

The 12-month Onslow Education Initiative was established by Telethon Speech and Hearing, the Department of Education and Chevron and will see Onslow school children aged between four to eight screened by visiting medical specialists.

Students who are not meeting their age-appropriate speech, language, fine and gross motor developmental milestones will then be provided with support from visiting clinics, in-class activities and telehealth therapy.

As part of the initiative, Onslow Primary School will receive funding for additional resources, including a full-time learning support co-ordinator and two education assistant positions.

Other initiatives include on-site social, emotional, behavioural programs and technology resources to support digital skills.

Onslow school teachers will also receive classroom resources and ongoing mentorship to improve speech and language techniques and learning methods to build student literacy and numeracy skills.

Telethon Speech and Hearing chief executive Mark Fitzpatrick said hearing loss, speech difficulties and developmental delay in childhood can impact a child's education.