Therapy and care

Our students are supported by a range of qualified therapists and health professionals onsite at College. All students receive a package of Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy as standard. Increased provision and additional therapies are delivered as indicated within an individual’s EHCP or based on our assessment.

Once a place has been accepted by the local authority, our therapists begin their assessments of each individual’s needs. This may include discussions with the student’s current therapists, a visit to their current setting, discussions with families and an examination of their EHCPs. This enables the college to ensure the young person has all the relevant equipment they need, ready for when they begin in September. Equipment may include positional or mobility equipment or AAC (communication) devices.

As required, the college source external support to provide advice and programs for students who have sensory impairments to ensure they can access their education fully.

The Speech and Language Therapists (SALTs) at Great Oaks aim to provide personalised assessments of each student`s strengths and development needs in communication. This will comprise gaining knowledge about the student`s motivators, their functional communication needs and their skills in engaging meaningfully, to have fulfilling interactions with staff and peers at College and beyond. 

The SALTs will select, design and recommend therapy interventions that will promote each student`s abilities with the following: engagement in their interactions, increase their understanding of language, expressing their ideas, thoughts, feelings and maintaining social interactions with a growing number of interaction partners, intelligibly within context. 

The Great Oaks College (GOC) physiotherapy provision aims to enable students with learning disabilities and those with neurodivergent conditions to reach their full physical potential. Through tailored individual treatment plans, specialist interventions, and motivating exercise-based activities, we facilitate movement, independence, and general well-being. Our interventions include hydrotherapy, postural management, pain management, functional mobility training, and much more tailored according to specific student needs. Whether it’s enhancing motor skills, improving posture, or building confidence through movement, our physiotherapist works closely with students, families, and educators to create a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic environment. 

The Occupational Therapy (OT) service at GOC aims to support students with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions in developing the practical skills needed for greater independence in their daily lives. We focus on enhancing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and functional life skills, which help students access their curriculum and engage confidently in their education and everyday routines. Our interventions utilise a sensory integration framework, assistive technology, and tailored environmental adaptations to meet individual needs. By collaborating closely with students, families, and educators, we adopt a holistic, student-centered approach that empowers each learner to build confidence, maximise their potential, and navigate life with greater ease. 

The college employs a part-time nurse to complete medical care plans for students and to complete staff training and competencies so that the educational staff can meet the medical needs of the young person. The nurse is not able to provide regular medical care for individual students.

The College has an onsite Therapy Dog called Samson. He works with students to support them if they have a fear of dogs, to encourage physical movement, to develop vocabulary and to provide comfort should a student be experiencing a challenging time.