Getting started with Plumtree

For families with NDIS funding

Plumtree is a registered NDIS provider. Every family is unique and parents know their child best. That’s why we partner with you to create a package that fits your child and family’s needs. Our team works from the heart to help you meet your goals.

Here’s what to expect when you begin NDIS services with us:

Step 1: Our first meeting

In a free 30-minute online meeting, we will talk about how we work with families, get to know you and complete some forms to get started.

Your child does not need to attend. If they do, it’s helpful to have an activity for them to do while we complete the meeting.

Bring your NDIS plan and goals for our discussion.

We will complete a Service Agreement if you decide to appoint Plumtree as your service provider under the NDIA. This agreement is relevant whether you are Plan-Managed, NDIA-Managed or Self-Managed. The Service Agreement ensures that you achieve the goals developed for your child.

We will schedule your first session at the end of this meeting with a speech therapist, occupational therapist, early childhood specialist, or physiotherapist from our team.

Step 2: Meeting your therapist/s

In a one-hour meeting, your main therapist will guide you through a planning session using Pictability, an intuitive activity that helps you set goals and a vision for your child, your family, and yourself.

Your therapist will develop the goals you have for your child.

Your main therapist is also your key worker and will be your point of contact at Plumtree if you have other therapists involved.

After your first meeting, your therapist will take 30 minutes back at the office to prepare and plan the first steps towards your child’s goals, ensuring they can provide a quality service. Each new therapist who joins your child’s team will also take 30 minutes after their first session to do the same.

The total time charged for your first meeting is 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Your regular sessions

Therapy sessions are tailored to meet your family’s specific needs and priorities. Each session begins with reviewing progress since your last visit and confirming the goals of the day.

Your therapist will then focus on practical strategies and support based on your priorities. At the end of the session, you will make plans for activities at home before the next session.

A 60-minute session includes 15 minutes for note-taking to plan, reflect, and document progress, ensuring the best care for your child. If you prefer a longer session, an additional 15 minutes for note-taking will also be included in the total charge. Your therapist may complete the notes either during the session with you or after leaving, and they will talk about this with you.

What to expect from your sessions:

Play-based strategies that build on your child’s strengths and interests to make learning meaningful and fun.

Your active participation—watching can be useful, but please join in and be part of the session.

Conversations with you are a key part of each session.

Sessions at childcare, preschool or school are held in the classroom and support your child to participate. You and your therapist will agree on the best way to stay in touch between these sessions. This is to ensure everyone is working on the same goals.

For more information read our flyer: What happens during a therapy session?

For more information, you can talk to:

Your therapist or key worker
Elif, our client relationships manager at elif@plumtree.org.au or on 9572 8840
Plumtree’s CEO at sylvana@plumtree.org.au or on 9572 8840

We value your feedback, as it is key to making sure we are all working together towards your goals.

Therapy Options

Not every child who comes to Plumtree will need a NDIS plan. If required, you can access therapy through:

Private health insurance
Medicare (with a plan from your GP)
Private payment

You can also contact Lifestart, the Early Childhood Partner for the Sydney region, to learn about accessing support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach.

Payment

At Plumtree, we charge the NDIS rate for:

Cancellations according to NDIS price guidelines
Individual visits (home, community, early childhood, school)
Resource making, report writing, and phone calls about your child’s development or goals
Travel time
Consultations with additional therapists
Session notes are recorded after each visit, and a copy is provided to you.

For families without NDIS funding

We also offer a number of free programs and services available to all families. If you are concerned about your child’s development, Plumtree’s free programs can help you connect with us and get things started. Here’s how: