Therapies
LVS Oxford has an on-site therapy team to support the students with universal (all school) provision, targeted provision (i.e. to the individual student) and specialised provision (if specified in the student’s EHCP).
The majority of students have their social communication and language needs met by the universal provisions in place (including staff training and supportive resources available in each classroom) and targeted provisions (including group sessions with their tutor group focusing on social communication skills). A small number of students at LVS Oxford have one to one sessions with an on-site Speech and Language Therapist (as stated in their EHCPs).
All students participate in weekly Social Thinking group lessons tailored specifically to support them with learning about everyday interaction and how to engage in different social situations successfully.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy in school promotes the development of skills and independence in all daily activities.
At LVS Oxford, occupational therapy is provided to support the needs of the pupil. This is identified through observations, standardised and non-standardised assessments in the school. Sensory, motor and functional skills are assessed, and all pupils are provided with an action plan and sensory diet which is incorporated into the classroom environment.
Occupational therapy can be provided in both individual sessions and group work activities. Equipment and strategies are integrated into the classroom, supporting the needs of the pupil and enabling them to access the curriculum.
Staff receive training to understand how to support particular learning difficulties that may be impacting engagement, levels of anxiety and behaviour. The Occupational Therapist will regularly liaise with all staff to ensure there is a consistent approach across the curriculum.
Speech & Language Therapy
The role of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) at LVS Oxford is to assess the communication skills of pupils in the school, identify areas where the young person may require extra support, and to set goals with them so that we can work together on the areas of their communication that they would like to develop.
Pupils receive a wide range of support from SaLT including social communication groups and support in the classroom to engage in lessons.
SaLT also works closely with staff to share knowledge and promote the transfer of skills learned by pupils in therapy sessions to the wider school environment. Where specified in the young person’s EHCP, one to one sessions will be delivered.
From one of our therapy staff...
“LVS Oxford is a really positive and well-resourced school environment. While some of our students may have struggled with sensory overload within in a mainstream school setting, here the small class sizes and expert teachers help maintain a calm environment, conducive to learning. It’s the real benefit of a school like this. The staff here understand what autism is,” says Therapy Assistant Bruce Strouts, who supports the children to develop new techniques and learn more skills, from tying their shoelaces to overcoming sensory issues.
“In class, therapy will also work on posture and techniques to help the students be better able to focus. Other skills might be as simple as getting them to take turns.”