Speech and Language Therapy

 

There are three full-time Speech and Language Therapists in the Post 16 team, who work closely with teachers, therapists and assistants as well as college staff, to ensure that students receive the most effective, holistic therapy for their individual needs.

 

At this stage of education, Speech and Language Therapy targets are very functional, focusing on the skills students need to become more independent in every area of their lives. Where students struggle to develop skills, therapy focuses on supporting them to develop compensatory strategies which they can use in their future education or work placements.

 

Social skills are also heavily targeted by the Speech and Language Therapists across a range of settings including Post 16 lessons and free time, college lessons and free time, work placements, trips and social events arranged and run by Post 16 staff.

 

A typical student’s Speech and Language Therapy programme at Post 16 consists of:

• Weekly 1 hour social skills group therapy (4-6 students in group)

• 1:1 on needs led basis – student are encouraged to self-refer for this where possible

• Weekly 30 minute literacy/speaking and listening group

• SLT observation/support at college at least once per half term, usually more as per needs

• SLT support in lessons at Post 16 on a needs led basis

• SLT input into the delivery of the Work Skills BTEC qualification

 

It is not always possible to timetable all of the above around a student’s college timetable so sometimes a student will have a slightly different timetable of therapy.

 

 

Occupational Therapy

 

Occupational therapy is delivered to individuals or to small groups.  Pupils will be assisted in the following areas on a ‘needs led’ basis:

    o Time management e.g. Punctuality, planning journeys, balancing work loads and other commitments.

    o Organisation e.g. having the correct equipment, writing ‘to do’ lists, using a planner or organiser.

    o Relaxation and stress management e.g. developing techniques to alleviate stress, dealing with stress appropriately.

    o Independent living e.g. basic household jobs, food shopping.

    o Use of leisure time e.g. identifying appropriate and inappropriate leisure activities, finding hobbies.

 

 

Arts Therapies

 

Art, music and drama therapists and an integrative child psychotherapist work with students for whom this is thought likely to be beneficial, helping them to develop a sense of identity, self-esteem and creativity.

These therapeutic provisions can offer the students a different way of relating beyond the confines and pressures of the class group and the learning situation, by using the creative arts.

The students are encouraged by therapy to interact and communicate with other people, and it helps them focus on the emotional aspect of their difficulties using a psycho-therapeutic approach.

Students can be offered individual sessions or small group settings and the work can be short or long term, ranging from a term to a number of years, depending on the student’s needs.