At Venture we have a number of specialists who work with us as part of our staff team and as consultants.

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

Pupils who have been identified through their EHCP’s as requiring of speech and language therapy will be on the caseload of our school Speech and Language Therapist (SALT). Therapy will be delivered on an individual basis, or in small groups. Sometimes this therapy will be delivered directly to the pupil. However, more often, the SALT will work to train staff who will support the pupil.

Occupational Therapists

The purpose of Occupational Therapy is to help pupils achieve their full potential in their childhood occupations. Such occupations include engaging in school activities, playing, having fun and developing their independence with self-care skills. This can include:

• Managing anxiety
• Managing sensory seeking behaviours
• Increasing attention span
• Taking part in a wider range of activities
• Self-care skills
• Developing handwriting skills

An OT uses a variety of fun and stimulating activities to develop these skills, either directly with the pupil or by assessing and prescribing interventions that will be undertaken by other staff. The OT works closely with education and other health professionals.

Educational Psychologists

Educational Psychologists help children or young people who are experiencing problems that hinder their successful learning and participation in school and other activities. They offer a range of appropriate interventions, such as learning programmes and collaborative work with teachers or parents.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are interested in difficulties that children present that appear to be related to their life in general rather than specifically at school. So, if a problem existed outside of school, or there was a strong feeling that the difficulties they were having were related to more global issues, then that would be where a clinical psychologist could help.

Art Therapy

Art therapy combines creative activities with therapeutic support. It can provide a safe, non-verbal outlet for thoughts, feelings and experiences. It can help with emotional regulation, social skills development, sensory integration and confidence/self-esteem. 

Drumming Therapy

Drumming therapy uses percussion and rhythmic activities to support learners' emotional wellbeing, communication and sensory needs. It can provide:

• A physical outlet for feelings like anger, anxiety or excitement
• A calming repetitive rhythm that is grounding
• Self-regulation through tempo and intensity
• Sensory integration