Therapies and Multi Agency

Therapeutic Intervention Service

Pupils at RSB often have a range of complex needs in addition to their VI/MSI/Sensory need. These will require targeted input from specialist therapists as well as class based programmes. To ensure that these needs are met, there are a range of professionals and therapists who are part of the pupils’ ‘Team Around the Child’ (TAC) who work in partnership with the class team and parents, either by providing individual treatment plans or by supporting the delivery of integrated therapeutic programmes within the class.

If you have any queries regarding Therapies please contact our Therapies Manager Ally Jones on [email protected].

 

Pupils at RSB have access to our Therapeutic Intervention service made up from Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Habilitation Officer, and Music Therapist. This team works in partnership with families, other specialists, the nursing team, each pupil’s QTVI teacher and wider class staff to identify how best to meet any identified outcomes for any pupil. All pupils have access to the support of the Therapeutic Intervention Service, but this will vary from pupil to pupil as well as ongoing clinical diagnosis. The Therapeutic Intervention Service offers support in a range of different ways and works to enhance our provision for children/young people in our care.

Physiotherapy

Our physio team help and ensure that all children/young people in The Royal School for The Blind are safe and comfortable whilst they are being managed through their individual tailor made physiotherapy programme. This approach enables our children to access their learning environment to the fullest of their ability.

Our Physiotherapists will work on methods such as therapeutic exercise for strengthening, endurance and joint mobility. Balance and coordination activities, support for play and leisure, home recommendations. Our Physiotherapists will also work in consultation at all times with family, teachers and all other agencies.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapy team will work to support and manage helping our children/young people achieve independence with everyday skills whilst at school and offer the support needed to follow these skills through at home. Our occupational therapists provide advice on specialist equipment, sensory programmes and motor function needs. They will also support in transition planning as well as staff and parent training. Where appropriate the Occupational Therapist will work to improve the following skills:
  • Organisational abilities needed for successful completion of activities
  • Self-care
  • Coping strategies to assist children in managing their school and sensory environment
  • Assess and give recommendations for equipment to facilitate independence

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy Our in house Speech and language therapy department are fully involved in the work throughout the school and they are committed to contributing to an enriched environment where every aspect of communication and social skills is supported to develop positively.

The role of the Speech and language therapy department includes assessment; devising and monitoring communication targets; individual and group speech therapy, language and communication therapy. This practise supports communication skills across different contexts.

Habilitation service

Our Habilitation service involves one-one training and class programmes for our children and young people with a visual impairment. Starting from their existing skills, the aim is to develop their personal mobility, navigation and independent living skills. Whatever age that a child/young person starts their training the overriding goal is to maximise the child or young person’s independence skills.

Music Therapy

Our music therapist works to create a relationship with our children and young people through music therapy being fun and relaxing for each individual. The music therapy aims to:

  • Increase sensory-motor skills
  • Increase cognitive skills
  • Improve-social skills
  • Increase impulse control
  • Improve self-esteem and self-control
  • Improve expressive-receptive language skills
  • Increase problem solving
  • Improve auditory and visual-motor skills
  • Music therapy is Fun, and is often deeply relaxing for body mind and soul.