Therapies at Woodley School

At Woodley, our therapy team works closely with students, families, and staff to ensure every young person receives the support they need to thrive. We provide Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy (Total Communication), and Music Therapy through a blend of classroom-based work, pupil-led sessions, staff training, and targeted intervention.

Our approach is holistic, inclusive, and designed to build skills, confidence, and independence across the school day.

Occupational Therapy with Katie & Kathryn

Every student at Woodley has a sensory passport that outlines their individual sensory needs, triggers, motivators, and recommended strategies. These passports guide daily practice across school and help ensure consistency and understanding.

Our Occupational Therapists support students and staff by:

• Providing training, coaching, and troubleshooting for teaching teams.
• Accepting referrals for pupils with more complex sensory needs.
• Delivering specialist assessments, personalised strategies, and equipment where needed.
• Running and overseeing sensory groups and creating resources for use throughout the school day.

Most pupils receive support through six‑week episodes of care, though this may vary depending on individual needs.

Speech and Language Therapy - Total Communication with Gina & Emma

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. Each student has a communication passport describing how they understand, express, and engage with others.

We follow a tiered model of support:

• Universal Support: Whole‑school training, coaching, and advice for staff to embed communication‑friendly practice.
• Targeted Support: Strategies and resources for pupils who need additional help, delivered in collaboration with classroom teams.
• Specialist Support: A referral‑based level of care where therapists work directly with pupils for a defined episode of intervention.

Pupils can move between tiers as needed, and even after Specialist intervention ends, they continue to benefit from Universal and Targeted support. All approaches are classroom‑based and pupil‑led to ensure they are meaningful and functional.

Music Therapy with Amy

Music Therapy at Woodley uses sound, rhythm, and creative interaction to support communication, emotional well‑being, and personal development. Students do not need to have any musical ability; music is simply the tool we use to help them grow.

We offer:

Individual or group sessions, from small groups to whole‑class work.

• Pupil-led sessions delivered in the therapy room, classroom, or other quiet spaces.
• A minimum of six sessions per referral.
• Support for areas such as:
  • self‑esteem
  • turn‑taking
  • positive peer interactions
  • communication and engagement