Special schools therapy

The special schools therapy team is made up of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and therapy assistants. We specialise in supporting children and young people attending special schools and their families. We work together to help children achieve their full physical potential, promote independence and support families in caring for their children.

Your first appointment

If your child has been under therapy services at Ryegate you will have a handover appointment with your current and new therapists. If your child is newly referred to the special schools therapy team, you will have an initial appointment with the team. These appointments could be at home, school or Ryegate.

Together we will identify therapy goals and agree what we are going to work on. These goals may relate to promoting independence to encourage participation in all areas of life. They may also be around long term management of body shape to support function and comfort.

Our work in schools

The therapy teams are based at the following schools:

• Archdale Primary School
• Woolley Wood Primary School
• Seven Hills Secondary School
• Talbot Secondary School

Therapy input often takes place in school, but it can also happen at home or in the community – wherever is most suitable. The amount of therapy input your child receives will differ depending on their needs. For example, there may be periods where they need more input due to their needs, and periods where less input is appropriate.

We work with other professionals who may be involved in your child’s care to ensure your child is well supported. These professionals may include:

• Orthotics
• Wheelchair services
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Consultants
• Equipment and adaptations
• Equipment provision services (such as Medequip)
• Social care staff
• Education staff
• Respite and hospice providers

Clinics

Clinics are run by the special schools therapy team and can only be accessed with a referral from your child’s physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The following clinics are held within each special school.

CPIPS and Goldsmiths clinics

What: CPIPS and Goldsmiths clinics are for our children who have limited mobility.

Why: We work with parents and carers to ensure we help maintain children’s body shape and posture using recognised assessments.

When: Several clinics held throughout the year.

Wheelchair clinic

What: Wheelchair clinics are held in conjunction with Wheelchair Services. Your child’s buggy or wheelchair can be reviewed in this clinic.

Why: To ensure children have a wheelchair or buggy which is suitable for their needs and fits them well.

When: Approximately once each term.

Orthotics clinics

What: Orthotics clinics are held in conjunction with the orthotics service. They are for our children who have orthoses or would benefit from an orthotic device.

Why: To ensure children have the appropriate orthotic to meet their needs.

When: Every other week, term time only.

Useful websites

Independence skills videos (including reward charts)

These videos were made by the Developmental Co-ordination Disorders (DCD) Team at Sheffield Children’s. They include lots of different independence skills (for example dressing and teeth brushing). They are aimed at children who have motor co-ordination difficulties. There are also printable reward charts and certificates on this page for lots of independence skills.

Occupational therapy related advice

Backward chaining

Information on the backward chaining technique and activity tips – from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Fine motor skills activities

• Fine motor skills in preschool and younger children
• Fine motor skills in older children

Visual timetables and checklists

Information on visual timetables

Visual timetables resources

Visual timetable resources – Oxford Health NHS

Information on childhood disability

• Cerebra — a national charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions and their family. Their website gives advice and support on subjects like toileting, sleep and DLA and accessing public services.
• CanChild — a research and educational centre focusing on improving the lives of children with a variety of developmental conditions.

Postural management

• Jenx – the importance of sleeping and lying posture
• Jiraffe – postural management: a clinical priority

Trikes

• Tomcat UK: Tricycle manufacturer for adults and children with a mobility condition
• Theraplay | Disabled Bikes and Special Need Trikes
• Whizz-kidz  Children’s Wheelchair Charity

Equipment

• Disability Grants — A website with a list of charity funding providers for equipment
• Scope — Advice on buying used disability equipment
• Car seats —William Merritt provide paediatric car seat assessments in Leeds and Sheffield

Sheffield Children’s Resource Library

Advice and guidance on a variety of topics (such as wards within Sheffield Children’s, orthotic devices, mental health and much more)

Resource Library – (library.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk)

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