Clare (Claire.wmv)
Transcript: Clare speaks about the importance of professional development for physiotherapists working in schools

I’ve moved through the career structure. I’m a senior physiotherapist now – that means that I still work in school with students but I also provide support to my colleagues and help their learning.

There are a number of internal training opportunities through professional development sites, networks, online courses and seminars. These opportunities support my work with children with Cerebral Palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. I’m pleased to pass what I learn on to my networks, to the new staff who I mentor and probably anyone else who’ll listen!  

Performance development is part of our work here in EQ. I link with my professional supervisor regularly and we look at my work, opportunities for development and what I’m working towards in my career. We are always learning. This is an important part of my professional responsibility as a physiotherapist.

For me taking university students on placements is a way to give back to the profession. It also helps me to think through my clinical reasoning and keep up to date.
The fact that Australia is a multi-cultural society is never more evident than in a school. There is no one formula.  I’m always learning new ways to work with families and schools and helping kids from so many different backgrounds learn the best way they can.