What to expect

We aim to make every appointment relaxed, reassuring, and child-friendly. On arrival, you’re welcome to enter through the front of the clinic, where reception can direct you to the back section of the practice. Alternatively, you may enter directly through the rear door into the waiting area if that’s more convenient for you.

Before your first visit, we ask that new patient forms are completed online. This helps us understand your child’s history, prepare properly and make the best use of your appointment time.

On arrival, you can check in using the QR code in the waiting room. Once you’ve signed in, your podiatrist will be notified that you’re here and can confirm that all required forms have been completed before the appointment begins.

During the appointment, we will:

  • Talk with you about what you’ve noticed and any concerns you have

  • Complete an assessment of your child’s feet, lower limbs, and foot posture

  • Observe your child standing, walking, or running in a way that suits their age and comfort

  • Review any shoes or orthotics you’ve brought along

  • Discuss appropriate treatment options and agree on a plan together

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay with their child throughout the appointment.

For Young Children & Nervous Kids

It’s very common for children to feel unsure in new places or around new people. We expect this, and we plan around it. Appointments can be adapted to your child’s comfort level. We can:

  • Keep assessments playful, simple and low-pressure

  • Use breaks and changes of activity where needed

  • Explain what we’re doing in child-friendly language

  • Involve you closely so your child feels supported

Sometimes children aren’t ready for a full assessment on the first visit and that’s completely okay. We make the most of what your child is comfortable with on the day, and we can always book a review appointment once they feel more familiar with the environment and the practitioner.

You’re welcome to bring favourite toys, comfort items or snacks if these help your child feel more settled.

What to Bring & Footware Guidance

Bringing a few key items helps us complete a more thorough and useful assessment:

Please bring, where possible:

  • Everyday shoes

  • School shoes

  • Sport shoes

  • Dance shoes (if relevant)

  • Any recent orthotics or braces

  • Relevant reports from other health professionals, specialists or radiology imaging (optional but helpful)

Shoes play an important role in comfort, support and participation in sport and dance. During your appointment, we can provide tailored advice on:

  • Everyday and play shoes

  • School shoes

  • Runners and sport-specific footwear

  • Dance shoes, including ballet and pointe shoes

Your Questions, Answered

Not sure where to start?

If you’re unsure which appointment to book, a New Patient Assessment is usually the best first step. From there, we can work out the most appropriate plan together.

  • Many families can claim a rebate for podiatry through their private health fund, depending on their level of extras cover.

  • Some children may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM/EPC) plan through their GP, which allows access to a Medicare rebate for a limited number of podiatry appointments each year. Rebates are claimed directly by families through Medicare after the appointment. Appropriate documentation from your GP is required to support the Medicare claim.

  • We can provide services for children with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans, where podiatry aligns with their goals. We do not see agency-managed participants at this time

  • New patient assessments are longer so we can take a full history and complete a thorough assessment. These appointments are often around 45-60 minutes, and may occasionally run longer depending on complexity or travel time to the clinic.

    Review appointments are shorter and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting the treatment if needed.

  • You don’t need a referral for standard podiatry appointments. A GP referral is only required if you are using a Medicare CDM/EPC plan.

    If your child has been referred by another health professional or specialist, bringing a referral letter can be helpful to highlight areas of concern and support collaborative care, though it is not required to book an appointment.

  • Not always. Orthoses are considered when there is a clear clinical indication that they may help with comfort, function or load tolerance. We follow an evidence-informed, conservative approach and recommend the most appropriate option for your child’s needs.

  • Yes. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay and take part in the appointment.

  • Yes. We can adapt the pace, structure and environment as much as possible to support sensory needs and comfort. You’re welcome to let us know anything that helps before you arrive for your appointment.

  • No. While we offer a dedicated pathway for young dancers, we also see children for a wide range of foot and lower limb concerns, including postural differences, gait and movement concerns, pain related to growth or activity, and skin, nail, or footwear-related issues.