Therapies

We offer a wide range of Therapies at HMS: Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama & Movement Therapy, Counselling, Cranial Sacral Therapy. 

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy is integrated into all aspects of the school day through our flexible service delivery model.  All pupils receive direct and/or indirect Speech and Language Therapy input which is provided by our Specialist Speech and Language Therapists. 

Pupils’ speech, language and communication needs are identified through formal and informal assessment by our Speech and Language Therapists and through consultation with teaching staff and parents.  We provide a ‘needs-led’ service that is delivered within the framework of the provision specified in the pupils’ Statement of Special Educational Needs. 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is integrated into many aspects of the school day.  All pupils have access to Occupational Therapy input which is provided by our Specialist Occupational Therapist.  Pupils’ needs in the areas of fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living and sensory processing are identified through formal and informal assessment by our Occupational Therapist and through consultation with teaching staff and parents. 

We provide a ‘needs-led’ service which includes direct and indirect Occupational Therapy input to pupils.  The service is delivered within the framework of the provision specified in the pupils’ Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Expressive Arts Therapy

Music Therapy and Drama & Movement Therapy provide the opportunity for pupils to develop expressive potential, enhance communication skills, and channel/transform patterns of behaviours and impulses into a creative outlet, focusing on emotional and social development.  All pupils have access to Music Therapy and Drama & Movement Therapy.  Pupils are referred for Expressive Arts Therapy when a need for this type of therapeutic support has been identified by teaching staff and, discussed and agreed with parents. 

Music Therapy

Music has always been a powerful tool for expression and has the capacity to touch our emotions deeply.  Music Therapy is based on the understanding that the ability to respond and experience music is an innate natural quality in human beings.  Music Therapy’s main goal is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages who have physical, psychological, learning or behavioural difficulties.  The aims and objectives are determined by the specific needs of the individual in the areas of communication, social interactions and emotional development.

Drama and Movement Therapy

Pupils have the opportunity to pretend something that in real life was previously too difficult or indeed frightening.  In the context of a drama therapy session the students are offered permission to try different aspects of their personality and explore other ways of being.  This gives them a safe context whilst increasing their confidence to manage behaviours that may overwhelm them in the classroom.

Counselling

Counselling offers a more talking-based support service for pupils who choose or can access this way of working to self-reflect on issues that may be affecting or interfering negatively with their personal and educational development.  Communication with the pupil’s system (parents, teachers, other professionals) can be offered as support for the pupil and their ongoing development.