Literacy Clinic FAQ

Describe what you typically do in a session.
  • At the initial session, we use the Sounds-Write diagnostics, discuss the individual student’s needs with the parent/caregiver and advise that regular homework is vital to ensure progress.  
  • During the one-to-one sessions, the students review the previously taught code. To keep the students engaged, practitioners use a variety of materials such as little whiteboards, different coloured post-it notes, magnetic letters, duplo blocks with letters and erasable pens and texters. Students’ favourite is writing on the tables with whiteboard markers!  
  • The rate at which we move through the units varies but we typically find that sticking to 2 weeks per unit is effective. For students with significant learning difficulties, we go slower and make sure we consolidate before we move on to the next unit.  
  • The practitioners do a wonderful job at catering to the students’ needs, for example, having a wobbly chair to promote movement while sitting, therapy putty as a sensory strategy and to develop hand strength, and using a visual schedule to assist in time comprehension. 
What is the difference between the Literacy Clinic and tutoring?
  • The Literacy Clinic provides 1:1 intervention focused on building foundational skills for reading and spelling, for students of all ages. Students attend at our Frewville Clinic or online. The Literacy Clinic is staffed by qualified and experienced teachers and led by a speech pathologist. 
  • The Tutor Service provides greater flexibility as tutors may attend at a student's home or school. They can also assist students with developing higher-level skills beyond basic phonics and early maths.  SPELD SA Tutors are self-employed and may be trained in a range of approaches and programs. SPELD SA screens tutors to ensure they have relevant evidence-based training and experience, and maintain a Working With Children Check. 
How long do Literacy Clinic sessions run for?

Each session runs for 45 minutes over a 12-week block (including school holidays).

Where are the sessions?

All sessions take place at SPELD SA, 2/259 Glen Osmond Road Frewville.

What happens if we miss or we are unable to attend a session?

If you are unable to attend a session, we allow a maximum of one rescheduled appointment per block of appointments. The rescheduled appointment will need to occur no later than one week after the end of the twelve-week block. Any additional missed appointments will be forfeited and remain billable on the day. Depending on the practitioner's availability, the session may be able to be rescheduled.

What happens if my child is too sick to come to the clinic but still okay to participate in their session?

The session can be switched to an online session if you allow at least 24 hours' notice for the practitioner to plan the session and send through an online link. The more notice you give, the more time it allows the practitioner to pre-plan their online session.

Can Literacy Clinic sessions be accessed online?

Yes. We strongly encourage the first session, where possible, to be face-to-face however, the remaining 11 sessions of the 12 week block can be delivered online to allow access and convenience for students to engage in their session.

How much does a 12-week block cost?

The fee of our initial consultation is $190 as it includes a resource fee for supplying homework resources for the duration of enrolment. Lesson fees for the remaining appointments are $110 per session. The total of the block will cost $1, 400.

If you are a SPELD SA member, this will entitle you to receive 5% off per session (excluding bursary families and pre-pay of block).

Is there financial assistance for families who would like to access the Literacy Clinic?

Yes- there are two bursaries .

Low- income bursary is offered for families on low incomes and covers 50% of the cost of tuition for 12 weeks. Families who qualify for the School Card scheme or have a Pensioner Concession Card are eligible to apply.

Geographically isolated bursary is offered to students in rural, regional and remote locations who can access the Literacy Clinic online at a significantly reduced cost. Families in Receipt of Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Centrelink payments who meet the geographical isolation rules are eligible. Other applications will be considered based on access to services and support.

Can I pay for the 12-week block up front?

Yes, you can! SPELD SA offers a 5% discount for families (excluding bursary families) who choose to pre-pay their block of 12 sessions at the beginning of the block. If you choose this option, the block will cost $1, 330 (saving of $70).

When do I pay for the session?

The lesson fees are due the day of each session. With online sessions, an invoice will be sent to your email address once the session has been completed and we kindly ask that payment is made the day of the session.

What happens at the end of my 12-week block?

Towards the end of your 12-week block, the practitioner will have a discussion with you to work out whether another block is required. If so, an online renewal notice will be sent to you to fill out. The renewal notice needs to be signed and sent back as soon as possible to secure a spot for another 12-week block.

What are the expectations around homework?

Homework is designed to consolidate the skills taught during the clinic sessions. This usually involves 5-10 minutes practice up to 5 times per week. Students who complete homework will have increased progression within the program. Parents will receive the workbook required in the second session of the 12-week block once your practitioner knows where to start in the program.

What happens if we don't return or misplace the readers?

Students will be given readers to take home during the block after their second session. We ask that students take care of these readers and return them the following week. If any readers are overdue, lost or damaged this will be charged at a replacement cost. This charge will be a minimum of $5 or higher if applicable. If the reader is found, the borrower may keep the item if a fine has been paid. No refunds will be given, as it is likely that another copy of the reader has been purchased. Students are permitted to borrow again once their library account is cleared.