Paediatric Allied Health Assistance
What is an Allied Health Assistant?
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) – also known as Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) when working in OT, are trained professionals who work under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist. They support children to practice therapy goals, engage in play, and develop everyday skills through fun, meaningful, and well-structured sessions.
At The Nurturing Hand, our OTAs work closely with our supervising occupational therapists to provide consistent, affordable, and engaging therapy support. They bring their own unique skills, creativity, and passion for working with children, while always being guided by the OT’s direction and our practice values.
Why Choose an OTA at The Nurturing Hand?
Our Occupational Therapy Assistants add incredible value to a child’s therapy journey for many reasons:
- Highly Skilled & Passionate – Our OTAs are either studying an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, or are qualified with an Allied Health Assistant Certification. All ofour wonderful assistants have a genuine passion for paediatric OT and bring unique skills and experiences in working with children.
- Guided Supervision – Every OTA works under the ongoing supervision of an OT. This ensures therapy is safe, effective, and tailored to your child’s goals.
- Extensive Onboarding & Training – Before meeting children, OTAs complete an in-depth onboarding process. This includes training in the foundations of occupational therapy, our practice mission and values, and access to extensive resources and learning materials to support their sessions.
- Collaborative Approach – Our OTAs work as part of a connected therapy team. They regularly meet with our director and supervising OTs to discuss strategies, share ideas, and ensure consistency in supporting your child.
- Value for Families – OTA sessions are billed at a lower rate under the NDIS, making them a cost-effective way to maximize your child’s plan. They allow for more frequent, ongoing sessions , sometimes alternating with OT sessions, which creates consistency and accelerates progress towards goals.
- Fresh Perspectives & Creativity – Many of our OTAs bring backgrounds in psychology, nutrition, or other child-focused disciplines, enriching their approach and adding creativity to sessions.
- Consistency & Support – By working closely with your child over time, OTAs help build routines, confidence, and a sense of safety — creating more opportunities for practice and progress.
The Nurturing Hand Difference
At TNH, we view our Occupational Therapy Assistants as integral members of our therapy team. Far from being “just assistants,” they are valued practitioners-in-training who are nurtured, mentored, and guided to deliver therapy in line with our practice’s core principles.
Every OTA at TNH is supported to embed our values of neuro-affirming care, play-based learning, and relational safety into their sessions. They are provided with training, supervision, and ongoing feedback to ensure that the work they do with children reflects the same high standards and values that guide our occupational therapists.
With this support, OTAs create safe, engaging, and connected spaces where children have more opportunities to practice skills, explore through play, and build confidence in meaningful ways. Families benefit from a collaborative, cost-effective approach that honours safety, connection, and the child’s unique strengths every step of the way.
The step-by-step process of our AHA service delivery are as follows:
Getting to Know Your Child
Our admin team will gather key information about your child, including their needs, goals, and availability. We then match your family with an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) who is a good fit, taking into account scheduling and service requirements.
Initial Consultation & Goal Planning
An initial consultation is held with your child’s OTA, in collaboration with their supervising occupational therapist. Together, we explore your child’s needs and develop a goal plan. This plan is reviewed and approved by the supervising OT to ensure quality and alignment with best practice.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Your child then begins regular 1:1 therapy sessions with their OTA. These sessions are engaging, play-based, and tailored to your child’s goals. Throughout the process, the OTA is guided and supported by the supervising OT to ensure therapy remains consistent, effective, and aligned with your child’s needs.
