Therapy

Therapeutic provision

Our curriculum benefits from integrated therapies in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Active Listening/Wellbeing support.

In addition, pupils benefit from discrete therapeutic support as identified in their EHCP or through staff assessment in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Counselling and Drama therapy. Our tiers of therapeutic provision enable our learners to access the curriculum effectively in order to make maximum progress. In addition to the diversity of the ‘in house’ therapy offer, pupils also benefit from accessing the Wiltshire Local Offer and the expertise within the local authority and local health trusts.

Speech and Language Therapy

Developing functional understanding of language is integral for the learners, many of whom have a diagnosed communication need. The Speech and Language Therapist offers weekly communication surgeries for staff to support with strategies and upskill in communication strategies bespoke to the needs of the children in the class. The approach to speech and language therapy is integrated with therapists working alongside teachers and learning support focusing on both whole class, group and individual intervention. However, the therapist also conducts more formal and full language assessments, makes recommendations and sets specific targets for individuals. The Speech and Language Therapist is responsible for the whole school communication strategy and ensuring a communication friendly environment.

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for ensuring an autism/sensory friendly environment. The OT works with an integrated approach to therapy advising on individual, group and whole class interventions that can be embedded within the environment and curriculum (e.g. using specific seating to help ‘ground’ a child, suggesting specific fine motor skills activities such as ‘funky fingers’). The Occupational therapist leads weekly focussed solution surgeries to support staff with developing skills to support the pupils they work with. As required the OT will also conduct more formal assessments of sensory and fine and gross motor skill need as required from this bespoke programmes can be developed to meet the physical and sensory needs of the students.

Wellbeing support/Active Listening/Counsellor

The tiers of wellbeing support cater for a range of escalating need. After a needs based assessment pupils will access the appropriate therapeutic intervention. Tier 2 comprises of Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA), Active Listeners and Mental Health First Aiders, with the top tier comprising of Play Therapy, Drama therapy and 1:1 Counselling.