Specialist
Programmes

Our specialists along with our highly skilled teachers and support staff deliver programmes including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Therapy and Behavioral support.

Sami Ullah

Physiotherapist

Jo Kaipo

Specialist team leader and Occupational Therapist

Denise Poole

Speech Language Therapist

Mary Holgate

Occupational Therapist

Chyna Wilkinson

Arts Therapist

Multisensory

This programme is carried out in a dedicated space designed to block out noise and control temperature and lighting. It is a calm space that utilises multi-sensory equipment to stimulate the senses and promote  feeling of well-being.

Communication Technology

We support and promote the use of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).  This is an umbrella term for communication methods which supplement or replace speech.  These include

  • Makaton sign
  • Coreboards and visual supports (e.g. visual schedules)
  • Special devices e.g. Tobii eye gaze, iPad communication apps such as TouchChat and Proloquo2go and LAMP

Alert Programme

“If your body is like a car engine, sometimes it runs on high, sometimes it runs on low, and sometimes it runs just right.” The primary focus is to help students learn to monitor, maintain and change their level of alertness so that they can better manage themselves.

Swimming/Hydrotherapy Programmes

We teach water safety, pre-swimming and swimming skills as well as peer-relationships and fun!  There is an indoor heated pool at Base and regular visits to the Aquatic centre for older students. Physiotherapy programmes are supported through hydrotherapy in the heated pool.

PMP (Perceptual Motor Programme)

This aims to develop the students’ perceptions and understandings of themselves in relation to the world, through movement. The Haakinakina room houses a wide range of physical equipment used for the development of gross motor movements

Social Skills

Group based programmes to assist Senior Students in developing emotional skills, making and keeping friends, coping with stress and feelings, learning to self-advocate and interacting in groups.

Life Skills

Addresses areas of functioning such as basic self-care, dressing, personal hygiene, health and nutrition and safety awareness.

Sensory Programmes

Carefully designed, personalised activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused, calmed and organised throughout the day.