Our therapies Visitors to the Sybil Elgar school are often impressed by our calm, positive and nurturing atmosphere where students explore problems and learn to express themselves in appropriate and safe ways. Our holistic approach takes into account each child’s educational, emotional, behavioural, social, physical and sensory needs. Our experienced and trained staff enable children to develop key life and functional skills, such as motor skills, toileting and eating. All students participate in expressive activities such as Art, Music, Dance, Drama and physical activities, including yoga and pilates, for both educational and therapeutic benefit. We teach all students a variety of self regulation and calming techniques as part of daily routines. Students develop emotional literacy and problem-solving techniques through a variety of structured activities and the respectful attitude of staff. Each site has a multi-sensory room where staff help students to explore different sensory stimuli in a controlled and relaxing environment. We understand the vital role that diet plays with the health, development and behaviour of your child. Our healthy eating policy ensures that all food is fresh and wherever possible free from additives, colouring and additional sugar and salt. Our catering staff offer support with special dietary requirements such as gluten free, nut free, casein free diets. Our full-time experienced Speech and Language Therapist works with all our students individually and in groups to develop their language and listening abilities. She works closely with all staff teams, supervising their communication activities and resources and ensuring a high quality continuity of approach. She helps families to ensure 24 hour continuity and provides bespoke resources.
14
We use STUDIO III principles and strategies to help us and our students with behaviour management. STUDIO III – a non-aversive approach to the management of challenging behaviours – takes into account the individual’s communication, environment, interests and abilities. All interactions are proactive rather than reactive and promote positive behaviour, self-regulation and self-management. Our psychology department is staffed by a Chartered Psychologist and two Behaviour Co-ordinators who are responsible for delivering a psychological profile for each student in the school which outlines key strengths and emerging skills. We use this information to identify areas where further support is needed and share it with parents, teachers and other professionals involved in their education.