Planning for the July school holidays? Sydney Speech Clinic’s July Holiday Groups are back and they are more than just something to keep the kids busy.
If your child is working with a speech pathologist or occupational therapist, or you have noticed they could use some extra support with communication, social skills, confidence, independence or sensory needs, these small-group programs may be worth a look.
The Lane Cove clinic, based at Ground Floor, 1 Pottery Lane, is running a series of therapist-led holiday groups designed to help children practise real-world skills in a fun, supportive and practical setting.
The programs use hands-on activities such as cooking, STEM challenges and creative play to help children build confidence while working alongside peers, with qualified speech pathologists and/or occupational therapists guiding the sessions.
More Than Just A Holiday Activity
School holidays can be a chance to slow down, reset and try something different. They can also be a valuable opportunity for children to build confidence outside the classroom.
Speech pathology is often misunderstood. Many people think speech pathologists only help with speech sounds, lisps or stutters, but their work can cover a much broader range of communication needs, including language, literacy, social interaction, voice and more.
For some children, group programs can be especially helpful because they allow them to practise skills in a more natural setting. Turn-taking, teamwork, flexible thinking, managing transitions, following instructions, starting a conversation and keeping it going are all skills that can be hard to build in isolation but come alive when children are working alongside others.
Sydney Speech Clinic’s programs are designed to supplement the learning a child may already be doing in one-on-one therapy, at school or at home. The aim is to help children feel more confident using those skills in everyday social situations and to have fun while doing it.
What’s On In July 2026?
C.H.E.F.S. Group Therapy Program
The C.H.E.F.S. program uses cooking and food preparation to help children build practical life skills, independence and social confidence.
Planning, sequencing, kitchen safety, fine motor development, teamwork, problem-solving and communication are all woven into hands-on activities that feel purposeful and rewarding.
Children take part in activities connected to shopping, cooking, cleaning and working together, with the aim of building independence and confidence through practical, real-world tasks.
When: Monday 6 July, Tuesday 7 July and Wednesday 8 July 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am each day.
Second session: Wednesday 15 July, Thursday 16 July and Friday 17 July 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am each day.
S.T.E.M. WhizKidz Social Group Program
S.T.E.M. WhizKidz is designed for children aged 7 to 11 who may benefit from practising social skills with peers in a naturalistic environment.
Using science and hands-on STEM challenges, children work in small and larger groups to collaborate, communicate, experiment and problem-solve through shared projects.
The program focuses on social awareness, teamwork, communication and friendship-building, while giving children the chance to connect through shared interests.
When: Wednesday 8 July, Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July 2026, 1.30pm to 3.30pm each day.
S.P.A.R.K. Group Therapy Program
S.P.A.R.K. is a new program designed for younger children aged 4 to 6 years.
It offers a gentle introduction to the themes of Sydney Speech Clinic’s popular holiday programs, including STEM WhizKidz, C.R.A.F.T.S. and C.H.E.F.S.
The three-day program is designed to support children to explore new interests, build connections and discover their strengths in a low-pressure environment. It has a neuro-affirming approach, with movement welcomed, sensory needs respected and different ways of communicating valued.
Each session introduces a different theme, including science experiments, process-based art and interactive food exploration. It is a good fit for curious little ones who may benefit from a shorter “taster” format in a supportive setting.
When: Tuesday 14 July, Wednesday 15 July and Thursday 16 July 2026, 9.00am to 11.00am each day.
Why Group Programs Can Help
While one-on-one therapy can be tailored to a child’s individual needs, group programs give children the chance to apply skills with peers in a supported environment.
For some children, this type of setting can be a real confidence boost. They are not just learning a skill in isolation — they are using it while cooking, experimenting, creating, negotiating, sharing ideas and interacting with other children.
In previous In the Cove articles, Sydney Speech Clinic has also highlighted the close relationship between speech, language and literacy. Oral language skills can support areas such as comprehension, vocabulary, storytelling, grammar, reasoning and later reading and spelling skills.
Holiday groups are not a replacement for individual assessment or therapy where that is needed, but they can be a practical way for children to build on existing skills in a relaxed, structured and social environment.
They can also be a helpful option for families looking for a holiday activity with a little more purpose — something fun, but also designed to support communication, confidence and everyday participation.
How To Book
Sydney Speech Clinic is located at Ground Floor, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove.
For more information about the July Holiday Groups, visit Sydney Speech Clinic’s website or call 02 8404 0715.
