Interprofessional collaboration in schools

Health and education professionals frequently work together to support children’s development and wellbeing, and upcoming national initiatives such as Thriving Kids will further increase the need for effective, well-prepared interprofessional collaboration within school settings.

This workshop will share findings from a 2025/2026 scoping review exploring IPE initiatives for these disciplines and open a university-wide conversation about developing interprofessional learning opportunities across Deakin’s Faculties. The aim is to explore how interprofessional education can equip future teachers and health professionals with the shared knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to collaborate successfully in schools.

The workshop will be facilitated by a group of researchers and educators (the authors of the scoping review) from Deakin University’s Schools of Health and Social Development, Education and Psychology, including:

• Dr Sherryn Evans (Faculty of Health, Collaborative Practice Curriculum Lead)
• Associate Professor Tim Corcoran (Inclusive Education)
• Associate Professor Jemma Skeat (Course Director, Master of Speech Pathology)
• Valerie Watchorn (Course Director, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy)
• Mr James Woodman (PhD Candidate)

An international perspective on interprofessional work in schools will be offered by visiting scholar, Associate Professor Dorte Kousholt, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Questions?

Please contact Dr Sherryn Evans for further information: sherryn.evans@deakin.edu.au