Touch Therapy
Touch Trust Session Leaders in school have undertaken comprehensive training at the Touch Trust which is based in the Millennium Centre Cardiff. To enable Touch Therapy to be included in the curriculum the school has to become an accredited Touch Trust Provider and session leaders are required to undertake an annual quality assurance validation.
Touch Therapy is a specialist holistic therapy programme which helps alleviate stress, improve communication, promote wellbeing, builds confidence and self- esteem, encourages relaxation, and promotes a sensory curriculum.
The Touch Trust creative movement programme is based on the work of Rudolf Laban (modern dance). The success of the creative movement programme has been achieved through a simple structure which can be adapted to suit pupils of all abilities, ages and needs.
The approach used during Touch Therapy Sessions is very much a person centred approach. The programme allows pupils to move at their own level and provides the opportunity to explore authentic sound and movement in a positive and nurturing environment while working through the six sections of the session.
During these sessions pupils will experience a wide variety of music e.g. cultural and from different eras. Have opportunities to experience a range of different musical instruments, breathing, massage and relaxation techniques. Through the exploration of movement and sound pupils begin to build up a positive body image, enhanced self-esteem and wellbeing.
Some key aspects of the session include; enjoyment, enlivenment, self-worth, relaxation, massage, the giving of and receiving praise and encouragement and the sense of belonging to a group/partnership.
Hydrotherapy
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise carried out in a specially heated pool. The water is approximately 34 degrees Celsius. The combination of extra heat and the buoyancy of the water provide a relaxing medium in which pain relieving exercises can be carried out and thus improve general fitness levels. The level of exercise can be adjusted according to the age and abilities of the pupils.
The Benefits of our Hydrotherapy pool
- Improving and maintaining the range of joint movement
- Helping muscles to relax
- Helping to relieve pain
- Reducing pressure on weight bearing joints while exercising
- Facilitating rehabilitation
Cycling at Greenfield
A big thank you to a parent donating two specially adapted wheelchair bicycles which are now available for on site cycle sessions. Pupils along with staff are able to enjoy the outdoor areas on site together and provide our wheelchair users the chance to experience cycling.
All pupils along with the staff are thoroughly enjoying the inclusive learning experience.
Funding from the Duke Of Edinburgh (DofE) has provided the opportunity for the pupils to experience expeditions not only walking but cycling the routes they take when qualifying for their awards.
The funded cycles will allow our pupils to experience cycling through cycle awareness onsite and off site to help understand the environment around them. The school will be working with Sustrans and developing the pupils skills and understanding of sustainable transport.
OT
Occupational Therapists are trained to understand the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, behavioural, and sensory needs. They will consider the interactions with family, peers, and significant others, as well as the interaction with the environment and community.
In Greenfield School we have a core OT team whom assist in:
-Seating Assessment and review of specialist seating equipment to promote good postural management and skill development to promote symmetrical posture and the right posture for accessing play/work activities.
-Assessment of daily living skills and recommendations of equipment to promote the development of these skills. (Specialist toileting seating/equipment, adapted cutlery or beakers)
-Developing Sensory Profiles/Passports for students whom require Sensory Integration Strategies and techniques, which are incorporated into class routines. These strategies may incorporate Sensory Circuits, Sensory Toys, and Sensory Diet Activities.
Physio
Physiotherapy helps to optimise movement and function through promoting active movement, developing range of movement in joints and muscles, building strength, balance and improving posture. Physiotherapists work with all age groups who are identified as requiring Physiotherapy. The team work closely with each child/young adult and their family, in liaison with NHS and/or private Physiotherapists. Each identified child/young adult will have specific aims to target their main areas of need and help them to achieve their goals, which should be reviewed and evaluated regularly, with individual programmes in place to help enable progress. Physiotherapists also assist in the assessment, review and adjustment of specialist equipment to aid a child/young adult’s movement and function e.g. standing frames, walking frames, orthotics (such as ankle/foot splints) and postural management equipment.
Rebound Therapy
Rebound Therapy is used at Greenfield School to provide therapeutic exercise and recreation for students with a wide range of additional needs.
During the sessions a trampoline is used to facilitate movement, promote balance, an increase or decrease in muscle tone, promote relaxation and sensory Integration, Sensory feedback and Sensory Regulation. Rebound Therapy can also improve tolerance to exercise and improve fitness level. During these sessions students also focus on and practice communication skills while building trust with the facilitators.