SchoolKit Clinics are held at a child’s school for several reasons: the parent or carer is familiar and comfortable with the school and school staff, they know how to get there and find their way around, and, because the clinic is held during school hours, they do not have to make any extra arrangements for their child’s care.
In addition, and of critical importance, the child does not need to be taken out of a familiar environment. This means their usual behaviours can be observed optimally and avoids transport challenges, potential waiting periods, and distress associated with a new environment.
It also allows for the involvement of school staff (e.g. class teachers), which would not be possible for the longer periods required for them to travel offsite.
In keeping with the principle of collaboration and partnership underpinning SchoolKit Clinics, some thought needs to be given to the physical environment of the clinic setting.
It is up to the school, as hosts, to find the best place to hold clinics within the school grounds. A large and spacious room is preferable, for example, a library or the school principal’s office. Space and comfort are important; feeling cramped won’t help the open flow of communication.
Of course, other considerations that will affect participants’ physical comfort include light (can everyone see to read notes and reports?), air (is there plenty of fresh air circulating in the room?), and temperature (is there an air conditioner or a heater, and does either of them need to be turned on?).
It is often helpful to have a box of tissues on the table before the clinic starts, so they are readily available if needed.