Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy – known as Integrated therapies
The Occupational Therapy service supports pupils to participate as fully as possible in everyday activities where emotional, psychological or physical difficulties might hinder their ability to grow, learn, socialise and play, helping pupils to get the most from life. Occupational Therapy helps pupils with various needs to help improve their cognitive, physical, sensory and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is important for many of our pupils to maintain functional ability, and the programmes designed by the therapist are then delivered in school. Where possible, exercises and programmes are integrated into the daily activities of the school, but where needed, we have allocated physiotherapy rooms which are used for the more intensive programmes.
The Children’s Integrated Therapy Service
The Children’s Integrated Therapy Service provides specialist support for children and young people aged 0-18 years with physical, developmental, and functional difficulties. Their multidisciplinary team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and therapy assistants who work together to help children participate in daily activities, grow, learn, and build independence.
This service is available for children registered with a GP in Wiltshire or Swindon.
What they offer
Integreated therapies assess and support children and young people with:
-
Delayed gross motor skills (e.g. sitting, crawling, walking).
-
Mobility difficulties, including neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
-
Neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy.
-
Joint, muscle, and posture-related concerns.
-
Functional difficulties affecting daily activities such as dressing, toileting, and handwriting .
-
The need for specialist equipment such as walking aids, standing frames, and orthotics.
-
Therapy support within special schools and specialist education settings.
Their therapy approach may include:
-
Play-based therapy and exercise programmes .
-
Hydrotherapy (exercises in a warm pool).
-
Referral for orthotics (splints and braces)
-
Advice on specialist equipment.
-
School-based therapy in special and mainstream schools.
Working together to support every child
They aim to minimise the impact of physical and functional difficulties on daily life by working closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals.
