Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
When combined with the traditional Speech and Language therapy offered in the school, OMT can accelerate progress and support long-term success in communication. OMT is a specialised approach integrated into our curriculum to support children who are pre-verbal or non-verbal in developing foundational speech and communication skills. It focuses on strengthening and retraining muscles of the face, mouth and tongue to improve oral posture, nasal breathing and coordinated muscular movement. By addressing these underlying issues, OMT helps to create the physical conditions necessary for clearer articulation, and hence more effective speech and language development.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT interventions focus on enhancing gross and fine motor skills, regulating sensory processing, and strengthening self-regulation in terms of daily living tasks (eg. dressing, eating, organising oneself). The OT therapist works closely with families and teachers to create individualised plans for overcoming barriers in learning and in social participation. Children are empowered through developed self-confidence, greater resilience, and functional independence.
Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy (ABA)
ABA is a cornerstone in our approach to supporting children on the autistic spectrum and with developmental challenges through the use of evidence-based techniques such as positive reinforcement, discreet trial training, and teaching in a natural environment. These strategies help children to develop essential communication, social and adaptive skills whilst reducing behaviour patterns which interfere with learning. Interventions are tailored to each child’s unique needs fostering emotional regulation, meaningful participation, and moral and social development.
Hydrotherapy
Conducted in warm water, hydrotherapy promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension, and enhances mobility through gentle resistance and buoyancy. The multisensory nature of water stimulates proprioceptive and vestibular systems, hence improving body awareness, coordination, and emotional regulation. Children with limited movement, those on the autistic spectrum, and those with challenges in sensory processing, all benefit from regular hydrotherapy sessions to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and foster social interaction.
Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE)
AVE is a non-invasive therapy using rhythmic light and sound patterns to gently guide the brain into optimal states of calm, focus and alertness. It has been shown to improve attention span, cognitive functioning, memory, and regulation of emotions. By enhancing cerebral blood flow and balancing brainwave activity, it creates a more receptive state for learning and social interaction. It is especially helpful for children with ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and those on the autistic spectrum by reducing anxiety.
Dietary Support
Tailored nutritional strategies can significantly impact children’s behaviour, focus, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. By integrating dietary requirements into Individualised Education Plans, we ensure that each child’s unique nutritional needs are met in a structured manner. Our teachers work closely with healthcare professionals and nutritionists to support families in providing meals aligned with medical recommendations, and to reduce dietary distress. This proactive approach helps children to feel more comfortable, and hence engaged and ready to learn.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy, especially equine therapy, is a powerful component of our inclusive environment. Through structured interaction with animals, particularly horses, children develop core physical skills (balance, muscle tone and coordination), whilst also enhancing emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social communication. Leading, grooming and riding horses provide opportunities for building trust, empathy, and confidence. This unique therapy supports children with motor challenges, those with ADHD, those on the autistic spectrum, and those with language delays bringing joy, resilience, and meaningful engagement in a calm outdoor environment.
Participation in Trips and Excursions
Recognising the need for children to have experiences outside of school, we offer children meaningful opportunities for participation in trips and excursions. These foster engagement in learning by aligning classroom knowledge with practical and real world experiences. Whether visiting a museum, attending an event, or participating in a residential trip, trips and excursions help develop essential life skills, social interaction, and emotional resilience. Carefully planned with accessibility and sensory needs in mind, these outings are tailored to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and included. These shared experiences also strengthen relationships between children and teachers, creating lasting memories and strengthening self-esteem.
Nature-Based Learning
This is a transformative approach in outdoor learning benefitting children on the autistic spectrum and those with ADHD, and those with physical or emotional challenges. Rooted in outdoor play, Nature-Based Learning provides a sensory-rich environment which fosters independence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. Children engage in hands-on activities – shelter-building, environmental art, non-competitive games – which promote communication, social interaction, and development of motor skills. Such structured creative play in a natural setting reduces anxiety, allowing children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Other therapies are seamlessly embedded, further empowering children to explore, express themselves, and build life skills in a nurturing and adventurous environment.