On-site therapists and nursing staff are one of the many things that make Treloar’s so special.
Treloar’s Health Centre is the base for our large team of nurses, clinical educators, health care assistants, medicines team, dietitians and administrative support. It is also where the contracted GP clinic is held four mornings each week.
Therapy
Treloar’s therapists work in and out of the classroom to ensure that students can participate in every aspect of School and College life.
The team includes: physiotherapists, speech & language therapists and occupational therapists who all work closely with highly trained assistants, and the assistive technology team to give our students the best possible start. All students have a named therapist that are part of their multi-disciplinary team.
It means that our students can focus on their studies with the minimum of disruption, rather than having to spend time travelling to and from therapy appointments. It also means that therapy can be integrated into our students’ education and care programmes, as part of the curriculum.
Residential Care
We are open 38 weeks of the year and can offer a range of day, residential and respite placements.
Many of the young people at Treloar’s require support throughout the day and night - over half of our students stay in one of our six residential houses. Our houses are well-appointed and accessible, designed to encourage learning independence skills.
Residential provision offers huge opportunities to develop and embed independent living skills, and enjoy social opportunities throughout the waking day. Our students experience greater independence and develop confidence working alongside trained support staff and engaging with their peers.
Popular after-hours clubs include boccia, Dungeons and Dragons, Sing and Sign, art club, Uno club, and dance club.
Counselling
The Counselling Team supports the emotional, social and mental health needs of children and adolescents with complex physical disabilities and often learning disability too.
The Counselling Team at Treloar’s brings together years of expertise in this field with a breadth and depth of training and specialist knowledge which would not be expected in a mainstream educational setting. We are able to provide therapeutic support which is highly individual.
We share a common student-centered approach; we assess and match students to a skilled counsellor/therapist who will utilise their knowledge and skills to meet individual student needs. Our Counsellors are able to work in innovative ways with students who may have little or no verbal communication – using word books, technology, and non-verbal, creative strategies.
We are fortunate to have a qualified play therapist, art therapist and a music therapist on the team. We work to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework.
Nutrition
Nutrition is key to good health. Our team of dietitians support students with their nutrition needs and work closely with the catering team to provide a range of menus to meet the needs of every student.
We offer dietary assessments and support to ensure students maximise their health through nutrition, and through individualised programmes. We support students with oral feeding, special menus, oral nutrition supplements, tube feed regimens and blended diets (where appropriate).
Each of our residential houses has a named dietitian, with one lead dietitian.
Assistive Technology
We are committed to ensuring that every student will have access to appropriate technology to enhance and support their education and independence.
All students have a technology assessment when they start. The assistive technology team devises, sources, adapts or makes solutions to improve independence and help students engage in their education. Things such as 3D printed holders for cups, joysticks or head switches to drive powered wheelchairs or Eye gaze technology to control an iPad.
The Technology team work with occupational therapists to find solutions to aid students with their mobility, communication and education.
Health Care
Treloar’s Health Centre is the base for our large team of nurses, clinical educators, health care assistants, medicines management technicians, medical secretaries, dietitians and is where the GP surgery and nurse-led immunisation and phlebotomy clinics are held.
Our nursing team develop, deliver and oversee clinical training to staff supporting students within the classes and residential provision.
Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during term-time. Each residential house has at least one named nurse. The nurses will monitor students who are unwell in conjunction with staff and liaise with families and/or external professionals, as appropriate. Our first priority will always be the safety of the young person.