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.

All NDIS-funded therapy sessions at Plumtree are 75 minutes charged in line with the NDIS Price Guide. Each 75 minutes includes:

60 minute session
15 minutes for your professional to prepare for the session

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.

Fees and charges

At Plumtree, we follow NDIS guidelines when charging for our services. We are committed to providing high-quality, personalised support for your child and family. We charge for:

Preparation time
Each session includes 15 minutes of therapist preparation to support personalised and effective services.
Individual sessions
Time spent working with you and your child, either together or in a parent-only session. Sessions may also involve other professionals at your child’s school or early childhood education and care (ECEC) setting. These can take place at home, in the community, or in educational settings.
Travel time
Therapist time spent travelling to your child’s location. Non-labour travel costs include kilometres travelled (to and from), tolls, and parking if needed. Costs depend on distance.

Resource making, report writing, and phone calls
Activities related to your child’s development, goals, or progress. These are discussed and agreed with you in advance.
Consultations with other therapists or professionals
Time spent coordinating with other professionals involved in your child’s support, such as educators or allied health providers. This is only charged with your prior agreement.
Cancellations
If a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full session will be charged. This includes preparation and travel time already completed.

Therapists complete session notes after each session, and a copy is shared with you.

For families without NDIS funding

We offer a range of free programs and services that are open to all families. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, our free supports can be a great first step. They’re a simple way to connect with Plumtree and explore what’s possible for your child and family.

Here’s how you can get started:

Join our playgroups – Meet our friendly staff and connect with other families on a similar journey
Download our resources – Get practical ideas you can use at home
Attend our free workshops – Learn strategies that have helped other families and connect with our warm, knowledgeable community

Our free programs are a great option for families without NDIS funding. We’re here to help.