RedE Therapy | Paediatric Occupational Therapy, Hamilton

Some children start school on the back foot

A young child sits in a play tent looking up at an adult who is holding a book

An increasing number of children are starting school without the foundational physical skills that are essential for learning. They aren't ready to sit, to read, to write, or to engage physically and socially.

At RedE Therapy, the vision is to see young children equipped with these foundational physical skills, so they are ready to engage and excel in their learning.

As whānau, parents and caregivers, you share in that vision: to see your child start school not at a disadvantage, but on an "even footing" with their peers. The services here are designed to help your child get there, and possibly more.

Well-developed physical skills provide essential foundations for children starting school, enabling them to enjoy, engage and excel academically.

How physical skills prepare children for school

Well-developed physical skills provide essential foundations for children starting school, enabling them to enjoy, engage and excel academically.

Physical skills

Core strength
Fine motor skills
Visual perception
Bilateral integration
Pelvic and shoulder stability
Vestibular and body awareness
Movement patterns

Foundations

Sitting still
Manipulating tools
Visual attention
Co-ordination
Ball skills
Organising themselves
Sequencing

For school

Focusing and learning
Handwriting and scissor use
Reading
All two-handed activities
Engaging socially
Self confidence
Spelling and maths

Four ways Joanna can help

RedE Foundations 4 School

Workshops for parents, caregivers and their 4-year-olds

Four workshop sessions for families whose child starts school in the next 6 to 12 months. You'll learn key principles and techniques, practise them with your child in a fun, supportive environment, and leave each session with practical tools to keep going at home.

Groups are limited to four families so the support stays personal. You can also arrange your own group with three friends and their 4-year-olds.

Ask about the next workshop

RedE 2 Learn?

Individual developmental assessment

Is your child going to be happy and confident in school? If you're concerned, unsure, or just want the peace of mind that all is on track, this assessment with Joanna shows where your child is at in their development and what their next steps are.

Referral to other paediatric health professionals can be arranged if it's needed.

Ask about an assessment

RedE 4 Therapy

One-on-one therapy

A one-on-one physical skills development service for children who have challenges in this area, provided by Joanna. Therapy starts with a RedE 2 Learn? assessment.

Ask about therapy

RedE 4 CPD

Professional development for teams

Joanna can speak to your team to help improve their skills in supporting children's physical development. Get in touch to talk about what would suit your team.

Enquire about professional development

Joanna Hawkins

Lead Occupational Therapist, NZROT

Joanna has worked locally and internationally in paediatric occupational therapy since 1995, with almost 30 years of experience in the field.

She has seen the difficulties children face when the physical skills they need as a foundation are absent or delayed. She also sees how early recognition gives children the best chance to engage and excel in their learning.

More about Joanna

Find out when the next workshop is running

Contact us to hear when the next RedE Foundations 4 School sessions will run. Numbers are limited, so be in quick. Costs and times are provided when you register your interest.

Register your interest

Call Joanna on 027 777 5069
or email [email protected]

Ready for school starts with strong physical foundations