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Aiding development with therapy
Portfield School adopts an integrated, therapy-first approach, seamlessly weaving therapeutic support into the daily school routine. This model promotes best practice which enables children to learn essential skills in the context in which they will ultimately apply them.
The therapy team structures their interventions based on the specialist, targeted, and universal model, ensuring that all students benefit from a high level of therapeutic support. For students requiring a higher level of support, targeted interventions are provided, including skill-building programmes, coaching, joint target setting, and group interventions. Those with more specific needs receive specialist support through direct therapist-led interventions, which may take place inside or outside the classroom.
Additionally, all therapeutic input outlined in EHCPs is fully met, ensuring tailored, effective support for every student.
Arts Therapies at Portfield School use the creative mediums of music, dance, and art to help students express emotions when words aren't enough or possible. Qualified at Master's level, our Arts Therapists are regulated by HCPC/UKCP. The approach is student-led, focusing on building a therapeutic relationship through the arts to achieve emotional understanding and positive communication. Using psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and attachment-based principles, the therapy promotes emotional regulation, well-being, and mental health through secure connections.
Our Assistant Psychologist (overseen by the Clinical Psychologist) and School Counsellor work to support students’ mental health and sense of self. They provide tailored psychological and emotional support, helping students explore their emotions and perspectives as well as understand their unique identities. Through individual sessions and/or group work, they collaborate with students to develop self-awareness, coping strategies, and emotional regulation. Their approach is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, promoting overall well-being and fostering a positive, inclusive school environment.
The Positive Behaviour Support team uses scientific principles to understand what the behaviour means to the person by considering all areas of the person’s life and needs, leading us to better understand what the individual is trying to communicate through their behaviour. They do this through a combination of staff training, observations and direct assessment, working in partnership with staff teams and families. The PBS team consists of PBS Practitioners and are supported by a dedicated PBS Assistant.
The Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) team ensures each student has a personalised communication approach informed by assessments which may include a combination of direct therapy, classroom strategies and programme led support. They also address eating and drinking concerns. The team consists of HCPC registered professionals, members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), and supported by Therapy Assistants, all working to help children reach their full communication potential.
The Occupational Therapists (OT), supported by Therapy Assistants, predominately use a Sensory Integration approach with resources such as swings, Lycra, and therapy balls to enhance sensory motor skills, self-regulation, and independence. Our HCPC registered OT team also work in collaboration with our Physiotherapist, with a focus on developing physical and self-help skills, empowering students to build confidence and independence in everyday tasks. Within the team there is a specialism in Sensory Feeding Difficulties ensuring a comprehensive and personalised approach.