> Physiotherapy and SaLT

Physiotherapy

Gill Scott - Physiotherapist
Janet Browning - Physiotherapy Assistant

The provision at Mill Water School currently consists of one and a half days per week from the Physiotherapist, and three days per week from the Physiotherapy Assistant.

Referral to the physiotherapist can be made through the school as necessary or by doctors or the school nurse. Parents can raise concerns direct by contacting the physiotherapist at school.

The physiotherapy team work in collaboration with parents, school staff and pupils to work on physical development. Physiotherapy input would involve an initial assessment followed by appropriate interventions which might be an individual home exercise programme, an individual programme to be used in school, a group physiotherapy session, rebound therapy, hydrotherapy or general advice. We advise on seating, mobility aids and other specialist equipment.

We have an orthotic clinic held at school by Exeter mobility centre which is approximately every three weeks. We also host an occasional wheelchair clinic in school.

The physiotherapy team can be contacted at school or messages can be left through Vranch House on 01392 468558.

Speech and Language Therapy

Ashleigh Kennett - Speech and Language Therapist

Mill Water is committed to providing a Total Communication environment which supports and develops the communication of individual children. Staff will assess children’s communication levels and use many strategies to help children communicate to the best of their ability, e.g. using objects, pictures and symbols, gestures, signing and voice output devices.

If assessment or advice is needed over and above this level of specialist teacher input regarding communication needs, or feeding and swallowing, pupils can be referred to the Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) Service. If SaLT is appropriate for your child, it may include:

    • Assessment
    • Individual programmes (these may be carried out by the communication assistant, teacher, or teaching assistant)
    • Advice and liaison with school staff
    • Training for school staff and parents
    • Liaison with families/carers and follow up activities for home as part of a programme.

The SaLT service covers both communication and dysphagia (swallowing/eating/drinking difficulties as a result of mechanical/movement difficulties). Copies of all reports and programmes will be sent to parents and carers, and they are welcome to contact the SaLT at school.
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When does SaLT stop?
The SaLT will work in “episodes of care”, and one of these will end when:

    • SaLT input is no longer appropriate at this time
    • Assessment, advice / programme or training is complete and the pupil requires time to work on the set aims.

Once an episode of care is completed, another may be started to work on further targets, or the pupil may be re-referred at a later date if their communication needs change and more input is required.