Pinderfields Hospital

Interventions & Therapies

We are able to support a range of interventions appropriate to the individual as identified in the EHCP, which is received prior to the child starting at Forest Wood. Whilst we aim for all the children to take part in some group sessions, a lot of their learning will be through individualised programmes which are often delivered one to one or in a very small group. These may be programmes developed by our site, recommended by professionals involved with children or ones in which staff have received training. Programmes may include Intensive Interaction, physiotherapy, multi-sensory stimulation, Tac Pac, Attention Autism and many more. The effectiveness of such programmes are discussed and evaluated regularly and any adaptations required are made.

The therapists involved with individual children will vary depending on their needs. We currently have a Speech and Language Therapist onsite weekly who is involved with all the children, visits from the physiotherapists half termly for specific children and involvement from the occupational therapist for individual children as required. We receive support from other therapists and professionals as required for individual children.

Our site is set up with different areas focusing on different needs. These include a sensory room, a quiet room and a new outdoor play area which includes a sunken trampoline. The day is timetabled in a way which ensures that each child accesses the areas they need and the interventions and support they require. Each child’s day is personalised to them.

Intensive Interaction

Attention Autism

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy programmes provided to school are followed across the school week and supported by staff on site. These therapies are often sensory in nature due to the needs of the pupils.  Where more physical work is needed, we are supported by NHS services to provide these, including appropriate use of equipment such as standing frames and specialist seating, If you have specific questions about Occupational Therapy, please contact the site and speak with a member of the team. 

ARFID, Fun with Food and Food Play

Many of the children who attend Forest Wood display the symptoms of Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and have very limited diets. To support the development of better eating habits, we have lots of sensory food play across the school week and use a programme called Fun with Food, which slowly and carefully introduces new food textures in a supportive way. In addition, we run a weekly Life Skills Food Session where food preparation skills are modelled and explored.