Empower Your Learning Journey
We are Finalists in the Local Business Awards.
Thank You to Everyone that Voted for Us!
All Intervention Sessions Are Currently Fully Booked
But don’t worry... we still have other support options available!
Our short & long initial consults are a great place to start.
Pop your details into the Contact form and we'll provide you with all the links.
We Specialise in:
- Neuro - Affirming & Trauma Informed Educators
- Literacy & Numeracy Intervention
- Support for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia
- Learning Difficulties & Diverse Learners
- Screening, Profiling & Goal Setting
- Educational Consultancy & Family Advocacy
- Counselling & Student Wellbeing
- Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Express - Lunchtime - Half Day - Full Day Workshop Options
- Our workshop topics include:
- An Introduction to Dyslexia
- The 3 Ds: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia
- Supporting Reading & Writing in the Classroom
- Inclusion Supports and
Adjustments, including
Assistive Technology - Magnificent Morphology- Beyond Phonics
- An Introduction to the Science of Reading
The Rookery Road Mission
Rookery Road believes that every person has the right to learn the way that works for them, and we're passionate about making sure that happens. We offer teaching and support focussed on connection so you can help your child with their reading, writing, spelling, maths, emotional or social development.
Our sessions are designed around the learners' needs, so whether you're looking for one-on-one support, want to join a group session, or wish to engage in some school-based professional learning, our specialist educators can help!
Most sessions are run from Rookery Road HQ in the Inner West of Melbourne but we also support students in their school environment or online.
Humour, connectivity, and explicit instruction are strengths Rookery Road leverage while working with children and adults alike. The team meet together each week for reflection and professional learning.
Cathy Harrison, a leading expert in the specific learning difficulties field, skillfully leads the team. Rookery Road supports hundreds of families and students to succeed and develop confidence all year round.
Does your child face learning challenges?
We can help.
- Could your child’s self esteem get a boost from easily reading?
- Would your child feel happier if they were competent writers?
- Would your child like to be able to read back their own handwriting happily?
- Would your child love to feel confident in their spelling capacity?
- Would your child like to feel more enthusiastic and competent in their Maths skills?
- Would your child feel better about school if they were making progress to catch up with their friends? (Reading, Spelling & Math.)
- Would your child like to feel confident, empowered and understood with their school attendance challenges?
- Would it be beneficial to further understand your child through detailed assessment?
Literacy Support
Our approach is tailored to individual learning profiles, emphasising connection, humor, and explicit instruction to foster confidence and competence in reading, writing, and spelling through evidence based intervention and backed by the Science of Reading/Maths.- Personalised Instruction:
We proudly offer individualised sessions designed to meet each learner's unique needs. This includes one on one support, small group sessions, and school based consultations, ensuring flexibility and targeted assistance. - Specialised Educators:
The team comprises educators with specialised training and extensive experience in literacy, numeracy, and social development. Their expertise enables them to effectively support a wide range of learners, from children as young as five to adults. Some of our training has been MSL, Ortan Gillingham, Sounds Write, Ron Yoshimoto OG/Maths/Morphology, Maths U See accessing resources from UFI, Reading Doctor, Decodable Reader, Little Learners Love Literacy & the late William Van Cleave - Holistic Development:
Beyond literacy, Rookery Road addresses emotional and social development, recognizing the interconnectedness of these areas in a learner's overall progress. They aim to boost self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning by creating a supportive and understanding environment. - Flexible Delivery:
Sessions are conducted at their headquarters in Melbourne's Inner West, within school environments, or online, providing accessibility and convenience for families.
For families in Melbourne seeking comprehensive literacy support tailored to their child's unique learning needs, Rookery Road offers a compassionate and effective approach.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS SERVICE IS FULLY BOOKED AND CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Our Team
Our team has the highest recommendations and expertise to ensure our clients are met with exceptional professionals. Cathy brings 25 years of specialising in learning differences to the team. She has worked in early intervention (0-6) right through to working with adults. She specialises in Literacy Intervention, parent advocacy and school training. The team is now up to 11 - including our Accounts Manager, working in an array of hybrid options.
We are proud to support a neurodiverse workspace for clients and staff alike. With constant refining of our focus for the team, we are fostering a neuroinclusive culture.
Who we are:
- Educators with Bachelor of Teaching & Education (Primary and Secondary)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- 3rd Year Pre-Service Primary Teacher
- Advanced Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties through Oxford University, UK
- LETRS training face to face with Dr. Carol Tolman & Dr. Mary Delgren
- MSL through Australian Dyslexia Association
- Sounds Write
- Orton Gillingham basic, advanced & maths with Ron Yoshimoto
- Mini Lit - through Macquarie University
- Barton Reading Program
- Sound Walls with Dr. Mary Delgren
- Plus a multitude of smaller courses
- Two are currently studying their Masters in Education through LaTrobe University
Face to face Literacy Sessions
Yes we have availability!
We have been able to open up a number of spaces for ongoing 1:1 sessions knowing the demand is high. This link will take you directly to the available calendar so you can choose the time that is perfect for you and your family. Once we receive your interest we will be in touch with the enrolment details.
These sessions wont last so get in quick.
Assistive Technology sessions
Face to face
Ongoing weekly sessions
Touch Typing, Voice-to-text, Text-to-speech, basic computer orientation, and setting up documents and files. 1:1 or small groups.
Laptop Review
We are offering sessions for our students who are new users to their laptop (perfect for Year 7 Students) or for those who have had a upgrade to their system and need a revision (Secondary Students or even parents!)
Literacy Assessment - Full profiling
Face to face
For many of our families they have not had any intervention or guidance about their child's difficulties other than following their observations (or intuition) to seek out extra help. To which we acknowledge a parent's insight is worth gold.
- The full profiling takes less than 2 hours,
- Identifies exactly your child's strengths and gaps
- Explicit recommendations for intervention
- Provision of a proactive strategy for parents
- Clear accommodations & adjustments for schools.
- An extensive report is prepared with parental feedback
Kate Bertoncello is available for assessment on Thursdays & Fridays.
Maths Profiles are available upon request.
Social Work
Face to face or online
Help is available from our Social Worker - Tiffany Westphal each Monday. Tiffany looks at each family uniquely and helps to devise the best plan to ensure support is accessed.
This may be in the form of explaining how the nervous system works, identifying school stressors or building parent capacity and understanding.
Executive Function/Literacy Coach
Online
Experienced secondary English and Humanities teacher, Stevie Picton, is now available for ad hoc one-on-one support, coaching and tutoring in the following areas:
- Executive function support
- Guidance for students with ADHD
- Autism and wellbeing issues
- Exam preparation
- English and Humanities tutoring
- Assignment, writing and homework support
- Body doubling
Does your child need a one off session? We can now cater for your request.
Upcoming Events
ADELAIDE
These two programs have been designed specifically to support the transition process for year 6 students who are often worried about how they will go in year 7.
We purposefully constructed the 4 session program to give students experience to front load strategies and boost confidence for a smooth start to the year.
Success for Secondary School: Executive Function
19th December 2023 : Meet and greet.
17th, 19th, 22nd & 24th January 2024
- Strategies for making friends
- Executive function strategies for organisation
- Managing expectation
- Advocacy
- Assistive technology
Small Group: 8 places
Positive Preparation for Year 7 English
19th December 2023 Meet and Greet
17th, 19th, 22nd & 24th January 2024
- Experience of a English class
- Revision of language
- Establishing expectations
- Building confidence & encouragement
Small Group: 8 places
Holiday Programs January 2024
MELBOURNE
Assistive Technology - Parent Workshop Masterclass
Sunday 4th May 2025
from 3pm to 4:30pm
We are proud to be introducing the: Sunday Series - Learning Sessions for busy families! Kicking things off with the lens on Assistive Technology.
It is acknowledged that children are often a few steps ahead of adults with the AT tools, so we are thrilled to be offering an afternoon sesh to catch you up.
This exclusive event is just for 10 lucky peeps.
Come join Cathy and Lachie for a hands on event (you will need your own devise) for a walk through of our favourite apps and platform.
Future teacher sessions TBA in 2025! PLUS
Wanting further up-skilling? Advanced Level 2 workshop with extended hands on practice in development.
Positive Prep Transition to Year 7 Programs
- Parent Workshop
- Year 7 English
- Assistive Technology
- Student Executive Function
Parent/Carer Q&A Workshop - Positive Prep for Year 7
Social worker Tiffany Westphal and literacy advocate Cathy Harrison will guide you through key strategies to feel confident and prepared.
- Nervous system regulation and self care
- School advocacy, communication and documentation
- Understand the curriculum and homework
- Executive function strategies
- Accommodations and adjustments
Support your child’s transition with clarity and calm.
🗓 Thursday 21st August 2025 at 7pm, Advieh Café, Seddon
English - Positive Prep for Year 7
Led by secondary specialist Stevie Picton, this hybrid course includes:
-
A live online course overview - Tuesday 26th August at 2pm (Will be recorded and shared
-
6 self-paced learning sessions (watch anytime)
-
An in-person student session during the Sept/Oct school holidays - Wednesday 1st October at 10am
-
A parent Q&A wrap-up session online - Tuesday 28th October at 2:30pm (Will be recorded and shared)
-
Access to our Private Facebook Group for ongoing parent support
Designed for families to complete together, this course boosts the essential front-loading to thrive in Year 7 English.
🗓 From Tuesday 26th August 2025 – Online + Holiday In-Person Session
Assistive Tech Essentials Workshop - Positive Prep for Year 7
Join Cathy Harrison and Lachie Sayer as they demystify your child’s learning tech. Learn how to:
- Set up laptops
- Planning and editing
- Use tools voice-to-text and text-to-speech to assist reading and writing
- Get up to speed with new assistive technologies including AI.
🗓 Thursday 13th November 2025 at 7pm
Executive Function Workshop - Positive Prep for Year 7
Back by popular demand, our Success for Secondary School workshop helps students start Year 7 strong. Hosted by Stevie Picton, this session is packed with tips on
- Routines and Planning
- Organisation
- Building independence
Just in time for Term 1.
🗓 Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st January 2026 from 10am to 12pm, In-Person (Spotswood)
Ctrl+Play+Social Gaming for Primary
20th December 2023: Meet and Greet
10th 17th & 24th January 2024
Looking for something for the school holidays? Aged 9-11?
What about our Primary Gaming Club?
Book in for 2 hours of gaming fun!!
Hosted by our assistive tech coach, Lachlan Sayer, who happens to have a passion for gaming...
Brick Buddies
HOLIDAY PROGRAM JAN 2025
- Promotes social development
- Encourages collaboration
- Develops problem solving
- Enhances communication skills
- Boosts self confidence
- Flexible and outside the box thinking
- Fosters creativity
- Increases focus and attention
- Celebrates diversity
- Supports emotional regulation
- Encourages persistence
- Provides positive reinforcement
Join Us In 2025
- Specialist Intervention Educators
- Maths & Literacy Experts
- Science of Learning & Reading
- Knowledge of Neurodiversity
- Passion for Teaching
- Enthusiasm to Thrive
- Exceptional Communication Skills
- Patient, Empathic & Flexible
- Creative Collaborator
- Proficient with Technology
- Aspire to make a difference
The First Step
We invite you to book a time with one of our senior therapists, who will listen to your concerns, provide feedback, and make clear recommendations to direct your next steps.
Please email from the contact us form below clearly stating your concerns, age of your child and reasons for the booking.
Do note that our initial consultation is 60 minutes at $225 and does not require your child to attend. The consultation can be held online or in person at our headquarters. We look forward to helping you!
Rookery Road HQ
29 Hope Street, Spotswood VIC 3015
We’re on the corner of Hudsons Road and Hope Street, just across from the Spotswood train station.
