Oakbridge School

Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy in Kedleston Group schools supports children to develop the practical, emotional, sensory and cognitive skills they need to participate confidently in learning and everyday life. Our Occupational Therapists begin with a detailed assessment of each pupil’s strengths, challenges and sensory processing profile. This helps them understand how the child experiences the world and what support will help them feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.

Intervention plans are personalised and integrated naturally into the school day. Children may work on developing fine and gross motor skills, improving handwriting fluency, building core strength, learning functional routines or managing sensory overwhelm. Sessions can be delivered individually, in small groups or within the classroom environment. Therapists also design sensory diets, sensory circuits, environmental adaptations and movement-based routines that help pupils stay calm, focused and comfortable throughout the day.

Collaboration is a core part of the service. OTs work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and families so that strategies are consistent across home and school. This joined-up approach ensures progress is meaningful and long-lasting. Small steps are celebrated, and pupils grow in confidence as they develop the skills that support independence, engagement and wellbeing.
Optional apprentice line

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy within Kedleston Group schools focuses on helping every learner develop communication skills that are useful, meaningful and empowering in everyday life. Therapists begin by looking at how a learner understands language, how they express themselves, how they interact with others, their speech clarity, and how they use non-verbal communication such as gestures or facial expressions.This helps us build a clear picture of each learner’s individual communication strengths and needs.

Support is tailored to each learner. It may include one-to-one sessions, small group work, or support in the classroom. Activities are practical and engaging, and may focus on building vocabulary, developing sentences, improving speech sounds, supporting attention and listening, or developing social skills such as turn-taking and conversation. For neurodivergent learners, we use a respectful, neuroaffirming approach. This may include visual supports, simplified language, or alternative ways of communicating to help learners feel comfortable and confident.

We place a strong focus on communication skills that learners can use in real life. This includes helping them to make choices, ask for help, share ideas, and express their feelings in a way that works for them. Speech and Language Therapists work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals so that strategies can be used consistently at home and in school. This joined-up approach helps learners build communication skills that support learning, friendships, and overall wellbeing.

Play and creative arts therapy

Play and Creative Arts Therapy uses creative expression to help children make sense of emotional experiences. Pupils may work with materials such as sand trays, paint, storytelling, music or movement. These non-verbal approaches allow children to explore feelings safely and at their own pace.

This therapy is particularly effective for pupils who struggle to express themselves verbally or who have experienced trauma, anxiety or emotional overwhelm. Sessions support self-regulation, emotional literacy, confidence and resilience. Therapists work closely with staff and families so that pupils experience consistent support while therapeutic boundaries remain protected.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy in Kedleston Group schools provides a calm, supportive space where pupils can explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express in everyday life. Sessions are designed around the child’s individual needs and can include talking, creative work, play-based exploration or reflective activities. The therapeutic relationship offers safety and containment, which allows pupils to develop emotional understanding and resilience.

Psychotherapists help children make sense of their internal world and understand why certain experiences may feel overwhelming. Themes may include confidence, identity, emotional regulation, anxiety, past experiences or relationships. Therapy progresses at the pace of the pupil and places the child’s well-being at the centre of every session.

Therapists work collaboratively with teaching teams and families, while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries. This ensures adults have insight into the child’s emotional needs and can support them consistently across contexts. The overall aim is to help pupils feel more secure, confident and capable of engaging positively with learning and daily life.