Laura Thundercliffe Director of Therapies
Speech and Language Therapy is embedded throughout the curriculums at West Oaks. Our school-based team provide training to staff in a wide range of speech, language and communication supports including any new and emerging evidence that may inform enhanced support for our pupils. The team contribute to curriculum development providing strategies and resources to be used throughout curriculum learning and everyday experiences.
Where appropriate, direct referrals are made to the speech and language therapy team for assessment, intervention and/or bespoke resources and communication systems to support pupils’ development.
Occupational Therapy: The speech and language therapy team work closely with external Occupational Therapists at Juniper Tree Therapy, striving to support pupils’ regulation and sensory needs and addressing possible barriers to learning, playing and self-care. The team provide training, advice and individual programmes for pupils where appropriate.
In addition to these core services, we access support for our pupils through therapeutic interventions including:
Assisted Technology services
Music therapy
Family therapy (therapy and counselling)
Animal-assisted therapy (with Noodle the therapy dog!)
NHS speech and language therapy services