Therapy Team

The physiotherapists work with the school staff to facilitate access to the school’s Physical Curriculum and promote 24 hour postural management. Movement is an essential tool in learning and our contribution is to make this as effective as possible. Each pupil has a physiotherapy assessment generating specific targets, which are regularly reviewed. These are identified in the physiotherapy programme and implemented in activities in the classroom and at home.

Activity is key to development, improving muscle power and practising patterns of movement all help this to happen.  Physiotherapy can be preventative as well in maintaining joint range of movement and reducing the risk of contractures. The physiotherapists regularly work with children with respiratory problems to maintain good respiratory function.

The physiotherapists work as a part of a multidisciplinary team and co-working must involve the parents/carers to ensure that a holistic approach is provided. Home visits are carried out as required. The physiotherapists participate in medical, wheelchair and orthotic clinics in school. They have close links with professionals locally and regionally.

The Occupational Therapist (OT) works closely with class staff and physiotherapists to find appropriate positioning and seating to encourage the highest level of function as possible. She also liaises with the local wheelchair service to monitor wheelchairs and organise clinics, which are run at Rosewood school. The OT assesses hand function and other aspects of daily living skills such as bathing, toileting and feeding, both in school and at home, on pre-arranged home visits. The OT works with other professionals on feeding assessments.

The Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) works closely with class staff to promote the child’s communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal and to advise on communication programmes and intervention.

The Speech and Language Therapist provides assessment, training and advice on feeding and drinking skills reviewing these regularly with class staff, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and parents/ carers.  Class programmes are provided and there is regular liaison with school nurses, doctors and the dietician. The Speech and Language Therapist participates in medical clinics concerning feeding, when required.