Therapies

Hydrotherapy/Aquatic Based Therapies

Medical evidence shows that water therapy aids those with various medical conditions. Hydrotherapy has been used for musculoskeletal and nuromuscular rehabilitation for over 100 years. It has been shown to improve motor performance in children with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and rett syndrome.

Hydrotherapy is based on the principles of hydrodynamics (buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, turbulence, and flow) and is thought to provide multiple sensory stimuli through water temperature, weigh relief, and vestibular input.

The properties of the water assist active movement, provide postural support and promote relaxation of spastic muscles, improved circulation, and strengthening, allowing a variety of fundamental motor skills to be performed, relative to an individuals skill level.

Aquatic activities also provide opportunities for social interaction and play, which can facilitate language development and improve self-esteem, self-awareness and a sense of accomplishment.

“I witnessed the calming effect the staff provide to all the children which in turn promotes their learning. The staff were familiar to our child they worked at his educational level reducing the lack of frustration of working at too easy or unattainable levels.”

Therapy delivered through Art

Therapy delivered through art sets itself apart as a means of utilising the creative process of art and having a low barrier to entry (anyone can be creative in some form or another).

Art can be especially beneficial to children as younger people are usually less capable and less comfortable expressing themselves via words.
By expressing yourself through art, an art therapist can help you see things about yourself that you otherwise may not of comprehended.

Art can also help with the development of social skills. For some this can improve sensory, processing disorders. Children are able to explore with messy play and for some this is a great improvement for children who are tactile defensive.

Therapy delivered through Music

Therapy through Music is based on the understanding that all human beings are musical – that is, we all have an innate response to music, this remains unchanged by illness, disability or emotional state. Our music therapist uses musical improvisation informed by therapeutic theories to engage, reach out and support each person, whatever their disability, difficulties or diagnosis.

In music sessions, children and family members can experience music improvised uniquely for and with them. They will have the opportunity to interact and communicate musically and to express themselves in whatever way they can – using their body, voice or percussion instruments. Most of all, they’ll be forming a creative and therapeutic relationship with their peers.

Horse Riding

​We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Quex Park where our children are able to enjoy horse riding.

The simple pleasure of working with horses is the highlight of the children’s week, the children’s experience, the freedom of movement, gaining confidence, building relationships, receiving life enhancing physiotherapy and achieving individual goals.

Medical professionals recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for the rider.

Animal Care

At Llewellyn School, we believe that taking care of our animal friends encourages pupils to build on the pre-existing human-animal bond as a form of therapy. It has been proven that interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state. Here at Llewellyn School, we encourage our pupils to get involved with looking after our Rescue Donkeys, our small animals (rabbits and guinea pigs) and the school therapy dog. We have seen the benefits for many of students, calming and nurturing the animals – and improving their own confidence skills and its also a great source for team building within our pupils increasing their communication and social skills.
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