Integrated therapy
We’re here to give every student the support they need to succeed. Our team of experts are with you all the way.
We’ll work with you shape a support plan so you can concentrate on your college work, having fun and making new friends.
Meet the therapy team
Our multiskilled team can assess and support any need you might have. Together we’ll put strategies in place to help you work towards your goals, whatever they may be. Our integrated therapy support covers five key areas.
Speech and language therapists (SaLT)
For some young people, unlocking their communication skills can be the first step to success. Our qualified SaLT team use a total communication approach to help every student thrive. We use many different ways to communicate with each other, such as Makaton signing, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Social Stories, Objects of Reference and Talking Mats.
Positive Behaviour Support team
We follow the Positive Behaviour Support model (PBS). This means we take the time to understand a student’s behaviour, identify positive long-term goals and focus on improving someone’s quality of life.
Occupational therapists
The Occupational Therapy Team work with students to optimise participation and accessibility in and around college. We complete assessments, set goals and work on increasing independence with activities of daily living including washing, dressing and personal care. Types of interventions we use include provision of equipment, aids and adaptations and supporting the student to engage by adding, or reducing, sensory stimulation throughout their day.
Physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists support students with any physical needs they may have. Using facilities like our hydrotherapy pool and rebound therapy, they can help students develop their physical health and wellbeing.
Assistive technologist
Our assistive technology experts help students access technology that can help with learning and everyday life. They work with students with all kinds of different needs, helping them use the right kind of adaptive devices to suit them.
Psychology
The Psychology Service at Bridge College is a holistic service that offers support to students relating to social, emotional and mental health, cognition and lifespan development, and communication and interaction needs. It is here to promote positive emotional well-being and growth, and enable all students to feel emotionally safe, a sense of belonging and make progress in learning. Where students are communicating that they need significant help with this, more targeted and specialist psychology support can be accessed.
Hannah Marshall
Speech and Language (SALT) team lead
Sally Chilakalaka
Occupational Therapy
(OT) team lead
Key areas of accountability
The Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Team support students to develop their speech, language and communication skills through a Total Communication Approach.
This is where attention, understanding and expression are supported through consistent access to an environment in which all communication is valued. We provide guidance, support and therapeutic intervention to enable students to more successfully access and participate in their education and the wider community through providing the following input:
Provision of lunchtime clubs with a focus on communication skill development, including Sing & Sign and Lego Club
Upskilling and training all staff in their understanding of communication and communication strategies
Provision of input in sessions to embed therapy within the classroom
Development of communication resources bespoke to individual needs
Liaison with tutors and the curriculum team around ensuring communication skills are incorporated into sessions and appropriate targets are jointly identified and assessed for communication difficulties
Assessment and intervention related to eating, drinking, swallowing (EDS) difficulties (dysphagia)
1:1 direct input with individual students
Communication groups for small groups of students working towards a similar communication goals
Key areas of accountability
The Occupational Therapy team help students to develop skills to increase or maintain their independence.
Occupational Therapy focuses on the reduction or removal of barriers including access to the environment, activities of daily living, learning and
sensory processing through the following:
Training for staff to support integration of OT across the college
Sensory regulation including zones of regulation
Provision of adapted equipment
Environment controls including switches
Increasing independence in Activities of daily living e.g. Personal care, showering, kitchen tasks, eating and drinking.
Moving and handling/Personal care
Driving skills for wheelchair users.
Maria Hawksworth Physiotherapy
team lead
Andrew Aspinall
Nursing team lead
Key areas of accountability
The Physiotherapy Team support students to develop and maintain their physical ability whilst at Bridge College. We use a range of treatment options and specialist equipment, each tailored to individual student needs. Specialist treatments include Hydrotherapy, Rebound Therapy, Postural Management and Sensory Sport.
Physiotherapy is embedded at the core of the curriculum, and we aim for all our students to reach their optimum physical potential during their journey at
Bridge College. We follow a 4P principle:
Protect:
- Protect body shape by implementing a robust Physiotherapy treatment plan and 24 hours postural management programme.
- Protect skin integrity by elevating pressure regular throughout the day.
Prevent:
- Prevent pain and discomfort by changing position regular throughout the day.
- Prevent the risk of joint contractures by using the correct equipment and supporting students with their stretches
Promote:
- Promote health and wellbeing, including respiratory care.
- Promote independence and inclusion in the classroom/Community
Proactive:
- If there is a Physiotherapy issue, seek out a member of the Physio team promptly
- Embed Physiotherapy into the session room.
- Follow the students Physiotherapy care plans.
- Check the Physiotherapy timetable daily for equipment and specialist sessions.
Key areas of accountability
Lead on the development of nursing/ medical input across the college
Provide high quality training to the staff team to ensure safe practice and protocols are adhered to
Be part of the admissions team, clearly evidencing whether the college can/ cannot meet the needs of learners following robust assessments
Ensure student medication needs are met
Promote healthy eating and wellbeing for students, leading on initiatives
Lead on mental health initiatives for staff and students
Work collaboratively with the curriculum team to provide high quality and individualised PHSE to student
Explore more from Bridge College
Our curriculum
Our flexible curriculum means students can make choices about their education, and our support gives them the tools to succeed.
How to apply
If you’re thinking about applying to Bridge College, your first step is to get in touch.
Supported Internships
Our Supported Internship programme helps to bridge the gap between education and paid work for our students.