What does "therapeutic school" mean?

Maypole school is naturally a therapeutic environment, due to the warmth of the staff and our nurturing approach. In addition to this, activities such as working with animals (for example, horseriding) can also be highly therapeutic in their own right; and there are many other examples. We provide opportunities for this where appropriate. 

What Therapies does the school provide?

In addition to being a therapeutic school as described above, Maypole also offers a range of Therapy programmes, delivered by professional therapists.  The therapies we normally provide are Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy (such as Art or Music Therapy) and Animal Therapy. 

However our approach is that we will provide whatever therapy is required, in accordance with the Therapists’ professional Codes of Conduct, to reduce identified barriers to learning. So if a different type of therapy is necessary, then we would potentially provide it if practical. 

Not all of our pupils will need therapy programmes, but our experience is that most children with complex needs make better learning progress if their therapeutic needs are properly understood and addressed. 

How do we allocate therapy?

 Therapy is allocated according to the needs stated in each child’s EHCP; subject to the professional assessment by the Therapist concerned. In practice, many EHCPs do not include any therapy requirements, even though it would be highly beneficial to the child. In these circumstances we will potentially provide the therapy anyway, but always in accordance with the relevant professional Code of Conduct. All therapy costs are provided for within the core fees for a place at the school, so there is no requirement for any therapy fees authorisation process.