Therapies

Play is the universal language of childhood and is one of the most accessible ways for children and young people to process experiences, and make sense of the world around them.

Play and Creative Arts Therapy combines somatic aspects of sensory integration within a relational context of attachment theory. (The somatic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for carrying motor and sensory information both to and from the central nervous system). This means that the body and mind are supported to work together to develop new positive brain pathways helping to regulate emotions and promote well-being.  

Lucie has over 20 years’ experience working with children, young people and their families to process experiences of loss, bereavement, conflict and trauma. Working with the principles of a neuro-sequential model, Lucie creates safe, confidential and playful spaces which are:

• Relational (safe)
• Relevant (developmentally matched)
• Repetitive (patterned to strengthen neural pathways)
• Rewarding (pleasurable)
• Rhythmic (resonant with neural patterns)
• Respectful (child, family, culture)

Challenging sensory experiences are often inaccessible at a verbal level. In fact, the brain can disconnect from its ability to process words when we feel a trauma, leaving us ‘speechless’. Children and young people who experience developmental traumas can require additional support to express their thoughts and feelings safely through symbolic play and metaphor. As an integrative therapist, Lucie uses art, sand, clay, role-play, music and movement to provide child-centered therapy paced for the individual’s needs.

Certified Play Therapists have undergone extensive post-graduate training and are registered with the PSA (Professional Standards Authority).

Children and young people at Pitcheroak may be referred to Play Therapy to support with difficulties including:

• Communication and self-expression
• Emotional regulation of anger, anxiety, stress or low mood
• Coping with change, loss, grief or bereavement
• Processing and making sense of experiences
• Developing a sense of self

Lucy Wild – Play Therapist

Hayley Prew – Occupational Therapist

Our school-based Occupational Therapist works with us to help enhance our pupil’s engagement and participation in school life. Our Occupational Therapist works alongside our students, their families, and their teachers to provide input, to maximise the student’s independence and optimise their learning opportunities.

Occupational Therapy provides support to school within the following areas:

· Sensory processing differences which impact on pupil’s participating in daily activities of play, learning and self-care

· Regulation strategies

· Activities of daily living; including toileting, feeding, dressing, personal care.

· Gross and fine motor skills

Our Occupational Therapist delivers input through a range of universal, targeted and specialist work to ensure that our Occupational Therapy resources are maximised, reaching as many students as possible.

Examples of what Occupational Therapy input within school looks like:

· Training and resources that help every student within our school promoting: a sensory-friendly school environment, the development of fundamental motor skills, good seating positions.

· Staff and parent training designed to help understand and support the participation, wellbeing and development of individuals and groups of students. Examples of recent parent training topics include supporting sensory processing difficulties, tactile sensitivities and the impact on self-care, and sensory feeding difficulties.

· Advice to help school staff adapt activities, equipment, and environments to help individuals and groups take part and achieve in the classroom, on the playground, in PE and elsewhere.

· Individualised assessment and intervention if identified as appropriate. This requires a direct referral to Occupational Therapy and is for children and young people with the most complex needs and circumstances.

This service is provided by Worcestershire NHS Paediatric Occupational Therapy as an additional service. Our therapist Hayley Prew, currently work with us every Thursday during term time.

Hayley has been working as a Children’s Occupational Therapist for 8 years and has experience of working in a range of schools and within the community visiting children in their home.