Rosewood Free School

The school therapy team is made up of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language therapists, who all work based in the school with our learners.

The primary aim of the therapy team is to ensure that the pupils are fully able to access the range of educational and social activities provided within the school. The class teachers work with the therapists and parents to agree upon therapy objectives, which are then included in the pupil’s Individual Education Plan and home programmes. All members of the therapy team collaborate closely with each other and the professionals in health, social services, and education. The team are provided with mandatory training each year and endeavour to keep their skills and practice up to date in order to provide an excellent quality of care, and practice which is evidence based. The therapy team also provide information and training to the class staff, who are then able to deliver integrated therapy and education on a daily basis.

Lisa Adams

Physiotherapist

Amanda Dowse

Occupational Therapist

Amy Glover

Occupational Therapist

Miskha Gibbons

Speech & Language Therapist

Michelle Bettesworth

Therapy Assistant

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapists work with the school staff to facilitate access to the school’s Physical Curriculum and promote 24 hour postural management. Movement is an essential tool in learning and our contribution is to make this as effective as possible. Each pupil has a physiotherapy assessment generating specific targets, which are regularly reviewed. These are identified in the physiotherapy programme and implemented in activities in the classroom and at home.

Activity is key to development, improving muscle power and practising patterns of movement all help this to happen. Physiotherapy can be preventative as well in maintaining joint range of movement and reducing the risk of contractures. The physiotherapists regularly work with children with respiratory problems to maintain good respiratory function.

The physiotherapists work as a part of a multidisciplinary team and co-working must involve the parents/carers to ensure that a holistic approach is provided. Home visits are carried out as required. The physiotherapists participate in medical, wheelchair and orthotic clinics in school. They have close links with professionals locally and regionally.

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist (OT) works closely with class staff and physiotherapists to find appropriate positioning and seating to encourage the highest level of function as possible. She also liaises with the local wheelchair service to monitor wheelchairs and organise clinics, which are run at Rosewood school. The OT assesses hand function and other aspects of daily living skills such as bathing, toileting and feeding, both in school and at home, on pre-arranged home visits. The OT works with other professionals on feeding assessments.

Speech & Language Therapy

The Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) works closely with class staff to promote the child’s communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal and to advise on communication programmes and intervention.

The Speech and Language Therapist provides assessment, training and advice on feeding and drinking skills reviewing these regularly with class staff, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and parents/ carers. Class programmes are provided and there is regular liaison with school nurses, doctors and the dietician. The Speech and Language Therapist participates in medical clinics concerning feeding, when required.

How to contact the Therapy Team

During term time, you can contact the therapy team via the school.

If you need to contact your child’s physiotherapist, speech and language therapist or occupational therapist during the holidays, you can leave a message on the above number. Please note that voicemails will not be checked every day. If your call is urgent, please contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0300 300 2019 and they will be able to put you in contact with a therapist who can help you with your query.