Arc School Ansley

Occupational therapy

Our occupational therapist plays a vital role in helping pupils access learning and participate fully in school life. Their work focuses on developing the functional skills children need for everyday activities—such as handwriting, dressing, following routines, and interacting with peers. They assess each pupil’s physical, sensory, and emotional needs, then design tailored interventions to support motor coordination, sensory processing, and independence. Occupational therapists also collaborate closely with teachers, support staff, and families to adapt the learning environment and embed strategies that promote inclusion and well-being. Their input helps reduce barriers to learning, boost confidence, and ensure pupils can thrive both academically and socially.

Speech and language therapy

Our speech and language therapist supports our pupils to develop the communication skills they need to thrive both academically and socially. They assess pupils for speech, language, and communication needs - including difficulties with speaking, understanding, listening, and social interaction - and design tailored interventions to support progress. Our SALT specialists may work one-on-one or in small groups, delivering therapy sessions that target specific goals such as vocabulary development, sentence structure, fluency, or articulation. They also collaborate closely with teachers, support staff, and families to embed communication strategies into the classroom and daily routines, ensuring consistency and inclusion. Our SALT specialists were also needed to support pupils with more complex needs, including non-verbal communication and assistive technologies, and help with swallowing or feeding issues when necessary.

Drama therapy

Our drama therapy programme is a form of creative psychotherapy that uses drama and theatrical techniques to help pupils express themselves, explore emotions, and develop personal insight in a safe and structured environment. It’s especially valuable where children may struggle to articulate complex feelings or experiences through words alone. Through role-play, storytelling, improvisation, and movement, pupils can externalize inner conflicts, rehearse coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.

For pupils with SEND or those facing emotional or behavioural challenges, drama therapy offers a non-threatening way to process trauma, improve self-esteem, and strengthen communication and social skills. It fosters empathy, encourages collaboration, and helps children understand different perspectives—all while promoting mental well-being and a sense of belonging. The therapeutic process is guided by trained professionals who tailor sessions to the needs of each child, making it a powerful tool for holistic development.

This is a targeted approach offered to some students where we feel it may help them work through a particular difficulty or challenge as part of a wider plan.

 

Educational psychology

At Arc Ansley our educational psychologist plays a key role in supporting the learning, development, and emotional well-being of our pupils. They use their expertise in psychology and education to assess pupils’ cognitive abilities, social-emotional needs, and learning styles, often through observations, interviews, and assessments. Based on these assessments, they help design tailored interventions and strategies to overcome barriers to learning, such as difficulties with attention, behaviour, or communication. Our educational psychologist also works closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop inclusive practices, contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and promote positive mental health. Their work ensures that pupils—especially those with complex or additional needs—receive the right support to thrive academically and socially.

Art therapy

Art therapy is a form of psychological support that uses creative expression—like drawing, painting, and sculpting — as a way for children to explore emotions, manage stress, and communicate thoughts they might struggle to express verbally. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space where pupils can process experiences such as trauma, anxiety, bullying, or family challenges through art-making. This approach is especially helpful for children with limited emotional vocabulary or those who feel overwhelmed by traditional talk-based therapies.

Art therapy sessions can be one-on-one or in small groups and are often tailored to individual needs as part of a wider plan around the child. Pupils may work with a qualified art therapist to create artwork that reflects their inner world, which then becomes a starting point for discussion and emotional insight. Over time, this process helps improve emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social skills. 

Therapy dogs and animals

We are proud to have a range of therapy animals here at Arc Ansley, which offer a range of benefits to our students. Therapy dogs are used to provide emotional support, reduce anxiety, and create a calming, inclusive learning environment. These specially trained dogs help pupils regulate their emotions, build confidence, and develop social skills through gentle, non-judgmental interaction. For children who struggle with communication or sensory processing, therapy dogs offer a comforting presence that can ease transitions, improve focus, and even enhance engagement in learning activities. Their presence has been shown to boost motivation, reduce disruptive behaviours, and foster empathy and responsibility among pupils. Our therapy animals can be part of a targeted plan for a pupil or a natural part of their day to feel included and safe here at school.