All pupils at our school have learning difficulties; many also have  additional needs such as a physical disability or an autistic spectrum condition.

Our pupils have a very diverse level and range of needs and our aim is to work together with all stakeholders to meet those needs and promote learning.

The school has approximately 100 full or part time staff and numerous additional staff from the health services who work on and off site alongside our staff to assist the pupils. These multi-agency employees include physiotherapists, a school nurse, speech and language therapists, an occupational therapist and music therapists. We have regular visits from professional services such as social workers and advisory teachers.

Hydrotherapy

Our school has a Hydrotherapy pool with a light and sound system that provides our students with a relaxing or energetic sensory experience. There are a variety of light patterns that bathe the water in a range of colours to add to the ambience. Our sound station can produce music to fit the mood. Students are carefully monitored in the water with floatation aids and staff assistance.

Where possible, every pupil at Mapledown School is offered the opportunity to enjoy a swimming session for up to a term. Pupils are assessed, taking into account mobility and health needs etc. Those who are unable to access a community pool, or pupils requiring Hydrotherapy as part of their EHCP provision access our hydrotherapy pool each week. Pupils usually access the pool with their class teacher, learning support staff and peers. 

Each pupil is assessed prior to accessing the pool. Swimming/hydrotherapy risk assessments are undertaken and informed by manual handling requirements as well as medical needs. The pool area has changing and showering facilities and pupils can be transferred into the water by hoist from a changing table, a sitting hoist or by walking to the edge and down the wide steps at one end. The pool is at a constant depth of 1.2 metres and the temperature inside and outside the pool monitored daily.

Pupils each have a hydrotherapy programme to suit their specific needs and these are carried out either supported by a carer or using one of our many flotation aids. The warmth of the water provides the perfect medium for relaxation of tight muscles allowing stretches in a fun and motivating environment. It is also the perfect place for monitoring of mobility problems in an appropriate setting.

The lighting and sound system can be changed to create a full sensory experience for those with very complex needs. MOVE targets can be appropriately incorporated into the session – e.g. practising sitting, standing and walking skills either within the pool or as part of dressing, undressing in an appropriate setting. Other benefits identified include communication, eye contact, reduction in sensitivity and tone, improved mobility and body awareness.

Staff running the sessions are hydrotherapy trained and safety and emergency evacuation procedures are regularly reviewed.

 

Mapledown School offers music therapy 2 days a week on a referral basis.

What is music therapy? In music therapy, students and music therapists are actively involved in music-making and they use sounds and music as a vehicle to communicate.

The primary aim is not to teach the students to sing or play an instrument but to offer them a safe and confidential space where students are listened to and acknowledged.  Starting from what the students are able to do the therapist helps them grow and develop in any of the following areas; emotional well-being, behaviour, communication, self-esteem, self-awareness, awareness of others, attention and concentration, physical well-being. Students with Severe and Profound Learning Disabilities (including Autism) can find music therapy an invaluable experience as they are able to relate in a non-verbal manner and they are able to work on their therapy goals.  

Members of staff and family can refer students to music therapy. The sessions can be on an individual or group level, short term or long term depending on need.  The school is also able to offer family music therapy and music therapy to students who have recently joined Mapledown School (newcomers) and to the students who are about to leave the school (school leavers).

The Music Therapist is a state registered professional with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a full member of the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT).

If you would like to contact our music therapist: musictherapy@mapledown.barnet.sch.uk 

 

Rebound Therapy

Rebound Therapy is the therapeutic use of the trampoline to develop and promote motor skills, body awareness, balance, co-ordination and communication. 

It is aimed at students with a variety of disabilities ranging from mild to severe physical disabilities and from mild to profound and multiple learning disabilities, including dual sensory impairment and autistic spectrum.

All pupils are assessed by a number of professionals prior to starting a rebound therapy programme to ensure their suitability.

Staff are specifically trained to deliver Rebound Therapy through Rebound Therapy course accredited by the  Professional Development Board for Physical Education which is supported by The Association for Physical Education (afPE).