We offer a range of therapies in school, including the following: Hydrotherapy, Speech & Language, Physiotherapy, Rebound Therapy, Theraplay  and Talkabout.

HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy is a physiotherapy treatment using a programme of exercises and movement in warm water.

The benefits of hydrotherapy include:

• Normalisation of abnormal muscle tone
• Reduced muscle spasms
• Improved joint movements and
• Muscle strength

As well as the above, it can promote relaxation and an enhanced feeling of well-being.

Hydrotherapy sessions take place weekly throughout the school term in the hydrotherapy pool at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen. There is a physiotherapist in attendance as well as school staff.

The physiotherapist selects the pupils who attend these sessions according to their medical needs.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

All pupils with a physical difficulty receive physiotherapy at Heol Goffa school. These children are assessed by the physiotherapist and an individual physiotherapy programme is designed and written for each child. These programmes are then carried out on a regular timetabled basis by trained school staff and monitored regularly by the physiotherapist. Physiotherapy programmes may include muscle stretches, activities to improve motor skills and muscle strength and gym programmes.

Pupils will also be assessed  for rebound therapy which is the use of the trampoline to improve muscle tone and strength and improve coordination skills.

Children with very complex physical needs receive weekly hydrotherapy with the physiotherapist at Glangwilli hospital, Carmarthen.

 

SPEECH & LANGUAGE

Our Speech and Language Therapists spend 2 days in school working with pupils and staff on developing and implementing speech and language programmes, they works with pupils on an individual and small group basis.

Communication skills are essential for being able to express needs, preferences and to make choices towards independence. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are part of the wider multidisciplinary team when working with pupils with complex communication needs.

Eating and drinking difficulties are a common associated condition for pupils with complex needs . The SLT is able to offer advice on reducing the impact of dysphagia (swallowing disorder) and to promote developmentally appropriate eating/drinking skills.

THERAPLAY 

Theraplay®  is a child and adult therapy used for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others and joyful engagement.

A Theraplay® session is an adult-directed, structured play session that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of engagement.

 

TALKABOUT

 Talkabout is a social communication skills programme which we have adapted to suit the needs of our students. The sessions take place in a small group or individual setting depending on the level of input required.

Groups run on a daily basis and the students involved attend one or two of these in the week.

In these lessons we work on:

• Self- awareness and self esteem
• Body Language
• Conversation skills
• Friendship skills
• The way we talk
• Assertiveness skills

Groups also go out in to the community to put into practice strategies learnt in their lessons. Talkabout has had a positive impact on the social skills of the pupils involved; there has been an overall improvement in self-esteem and confidence in communicating with others.

 

Rebound Therapy

Some pupils at Ysgol Heol Goffa have weekly rebound therapy in the hall using a trampoline.

Rebound therapy uses the bounce of the trampoline to either facilitate relaxation of a child with tight muscles, or to improve muscle tone and promote normal balance and co-ordination skills.

Each child in Ysgol Heol Goffa that receives rebound therapy has a personalised programme that is created by the physio therapist. Staff who have been trained in rebound therapy then carry out these programmes with the children.

Some of the benefits of Rebound Therapy include the developing and improvement of:

• Strength of limbs
• Numeracy
• Patience
• Communication
• Co-ordination
• Independence
• Self-confidence
• Balance
• Muscle tone
• Reaction speed
• Self-image
• Eye contact
• Relaxation
• Freedom of movement
• Sense of achievement
• Stamina
• Spatial awareness
• Body awareness
• Social awareness
• Consideration of others
• Trust and confidence in Coach/Assistant
• Colour recognition
• Height and depth perception
• Fun and enjoyment

Other benefits include:

• Stimulation of digestive system
• Improved bowel function
• Internal organ massage
• Clearing of toxins from the body