We are committed to the holistic development of our pupils and ensure that they have access to a wide range of therapeutic interventions. The purpose of an intervention is to address a barrier to learning or to enhance health, happiness and wellbeing thereby enabling the child or young person to develop to the best of their ability.  

The CYPF (Children, Young people and Families Services) work closely with the school to ensure that pupils receive a joined up approach to helping them achieve. The CYPF team includes Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. Practitioners can support pupils both in school and at home.

All pupils attending The Avenue have access to a universal CYPF therapy service where the therapy team:

• Work alongside classroom staff to obtain a clearer picture of each pupil’s skills and any impact this is having on their learning and social interactions;
• Support staff by showing how they can work on developing a pupil’s skills across all school activities;
• Provide training to school staff;
• Are available on-site to answer questions and give advice.

Pupils requiring more specific and individualised support from the CYPF team can access this when needed. Where a pupil is working with more than one member of the CYPF team, an integrated Therapy Review will be offered and joint outcomes will be agreed with the pupil, family and school staff.

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

SALT helps pupils to:

• Understand language used by those around them
• Express what they think, feel, want and need through a range of communication methods
• Develop appropriate social interaction skills
• Develop their feeding skills

 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps pupils to:

• Develop their gross motor skills to the best of their ability
• Improve their functional activities

Therapists also advise on:

• Postural needs
• Joint care
• Specialist equipment the pupil may need

 

Occupation Therapy

This helps pupils to:

• Develop self-care and independent living skills
• Improve their organisation and self-management skills
• Develop their fine motor skills, including handwriting

Therapists also provide assessment and support for:

• Sensory processing
• Assistive or adaptive equipment for school only, including seating
•  
• Modifications to the school environment to make a task easier

Pastoral 

The work of the CYPF team is complimented by that of the Pastoral Support Team. Teachers may complete a referral to the Pastoral Support Team if they are concerned about a pupil’s progress, health or wellbeing.

The Pastoral Support Team is able to offer the following therapeutic interventions:

• PAT (Pets As Therapy)
• Rebound
• Aerial Yoga
• Drawing and Talking
• Aqua therapy
• Horse Riding
• Theraplay
• Horticulture
• M Technique
• Wellbeing – mindfulness, Aromatouch, massage, Relax Kids
• Counselling

In addition to the above, we have a member of staff who is a Child Psychotherapist who is able to advise colleagues in supporting pupils with social and emotional difficulties. When necessary we can also access support from CAMHS and the Educational Psychology Service.