First Steps into Paediatric Physiotherapy

Build confidence.

Develop practical skills.

Take your first step into paediatric practice.

Designed by physiotherapists who remember exactly what it felt like to be a new graduate.

Transitioning from university into paediatric physiotherapy can feel overwhelming. While university provides a strong foundation, many graduates are left wondering how to confidently assess, engage and treat children in a real clinical setting.

First Steps into Paediatric Physiotherapy is a four-week introductory course designed to bridge that gap. Created by the experienced paediatric physiotherapists at Stepping Forward Therapy Services, this course combines evidence-based learning with practical clinical insights to help you feel more confident when working with babies, children and adolescents.

Whether you're a physiotherapy student, new graduate or clinician looking to explore paediatrics, this course will provide practical knowledge you can immediately apply in the clinic.

Course Overview

  • Four-week introductory course

  • Designed for physiotherapy students and recent graduates

  • Weekly online learning modules

  • Weekly in-person tutorials and practical sessions (Hybrid Course)

  • Flexible online-only option available

  • Small group learning with experienced paediatric physiotherapists

  • Practical, evidence-based content focused on real clinical scenarios

What you'll learn

Each week explores a different area of paediatric physiotherapy, combining theory with practical application.

Topics may include:

  • Typical motor development from infancy through childhood

  • Paediatric assessment techniques

  • Clinical reasoning and treatment planning

  • Common paediatric conditions seen in private practice

  • Play-based therapy principles

  • Communicating effectively with children and families

  • Practical treatment ideas and home program development

  • Building confidence as a new clinician

Each module includes clearly defined learning objectives designed to progressively build your knowledge and clinical confidence.

Hybrid Learning

Our hybrid course combines the flexibility of online learning with valuable face-to-face tutorials.

Online lectures

Complete weekly learning modules at your own pace, allowing you to revisit the content whenever you need.

Weekly tutorials

Attend practical sessions where you'll consolidate your learning through case discussions, demonstrations, clinical reasoning activities and opportunities to ask questions in a supportive environment.

Online-Only Course

Can't attend in person?

We'll also offer an online-only version, giving you access to all educational content so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in Australia.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

  • Physiotherapy students

  • Final-year physiotherapy students

  • New graduate physiotherapists

  • Physiotherapists considering a career in paediatrics

  • Clinicians wanting greater confidence working with children

No previous paediatric experience is required.

Expressions of Interest

We're currently accepting expressions of interest for our inaugural intake.

Register your interest by emailing admin@steppingforward.com.au.

We'll be in touch with course dates, pricing and enrolment information as soon as they're announced.

Enquire here

Why learn with Stepping Forward?

At Stepping Forward Therapy Services, paediatric physiotherapy is what we do.

Our experienced team works with babies, children and adolescents across a wide range of developmental, neurological, musculoskeletal and sporting presentations. Throughout the course, we'll share practical strategies, real clinical examples and the lessons we've learned from years of treating children and supporting families.

Our goal is simple: to help you feel more confident taking your first steps into paediatric physiotherapy.