Additional Therapy & Communication Techniques to support SEND

Some pupils require additional therapy input and this may be carried out by class staff or visiting professionals. In some classes the timetable reflects the need for pupils to have a longer period of time for sessions. Where appropriate MOVE, Rebound, Motor Learning, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy targets are incorporated into a student’s daily/weekly timetable. We aim to give our students opportunities to MOVE with a purpose, to help maintain our students independence.

What is the Move Programme and how can it support our pupils to gain functional mobility?

The Move Programme is a philosophy, a way of life for disabled children and young people, with complex needs; it provides personalised care and support that they need to gain functional mobility, and increased independence.

Quite simply, the Move Programme is a practice put in place so disabled children and young people with complex needs are supported to gain the physical and communication skills they need in order to:

• SIT to eat, participate in activities, education and eventual employment;
• STAND to increase strength, mobility and flexibility;
• WALK to participate in play or complete tasks, with and without support;
• TRANSITION from bed to chair or sitting to standing.
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The MOVE programme ensures that the individual and their family are fully involved as team members in the development of their personal functional goals.

We also deliver Hydrotherapy, Physio and Motor Learning and Rebound therapies within school. All these therapies aid the following benefits:

Communication:

Stubbin Wood School recognises that communication is a vital part of our pupils’ education. We endeavour to provide an environment which caters for the use of a range of communication methods.

It is very important for our pupils to be able to communicate and equally as important for everyone who works with our pupils to support them appropriately.

There are many different forms of communication techniques used at Stubbin Wood which are chosen to meet the individual needs of the pupils:

• Objects of Reference and Visual Timetables
• Makaton sign language and on body signing
• Body movement, facial expressions, eye contact and Intensive interaction
• Photographs and Symbols
• Eye pointing
• Communication I pads which have different communication apps on them
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

In providing access to a range of communication methods we hope to help our pupils make choices, make their needs know and be involved in making decisions about their lives.