SALT and Sensory support
Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Support
At Stanley School, communication is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have Charlotte, our specialist SI-SALT (Sensory Integration trained Speech and Language Therapist), working in school as part of our team, in addition to the NHS Speech and Language Therapists who visit school.
Working together for our pupils
Our pupils benefit from a collaborative approach to speech and language support:
School-based SALT (Charlotte)
Charlotte works as part of our school team to:
- Carry out sensory and communication assessments
- Provide advice and strategies to class teams and families
- Run targeted therapy sessions, including sensory integration work
- Support staff training and development
- Embed communication support throughout the school day
Pragmatic Language Sessions
Some of our pupils also access pragmatic language sessions being run by Charlotte weekly. These sessions focus on:
- Social communication skills
- Understanding and using language in different social contexts
- Turn-taking and conversation skills
- Understanding non-verbal communication
- Developing friendships and social relationships
A joined-up approach
Charlotte liaises with NHS therapists to ensure that:
- Goals and strategies are coordinated
- Progress is monitored consistently
- Families receive clear, joined-up communication about their child's support
- Staff have the guidance they need to support pupils throughout the school day
This partnership approach means our pupils receive communication support that addresses both their sensory and communication needs.
The Wooden Spoon Sensory Room
At Stanley School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated Communication and Sensory Support Service (CASS), led by our school SI-SALT (Sensory Integration trained Speech and Language Therapist), Charlotte.
In August 2022, we successfully applied for a grant from the Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby, and the Wooden Spoon Sensory Room was born! The room was officially opened by the chair of the charity in September 2023 and has been a vital resource ever since.
What's in the room?
The sensory room features a large frame for suspended equipment, including:
- Rope ladder
- Platform swing
- Acrobat swing
- Cocoon swing
- Ball pit
- And much more!
How does it help our pupils?
Children access the room so that Charlotte can:
- Complete sensory assessments
- Provide short blocks of therapy sessions
- Develop specific sensory strategies for class teams
These tailored strategies help children become more regulated and reach their full communication potential. The sensory room provides a safe, supportive space where pupils can explore movement and sensory experiences that support their learning and wellbeing.
Therapeutic Horse Riding Programme
In April 2022, Charlotte developed our Therapeutic Horse Riding (THR) Programme at Stanley School, which has been a tremendous success!
What is Therapeutic Horse Riding?
THR emphasises:
- Control, attention and focus
- Sensory management
- Communication (verbal and/or non-verbal)
- Riding skills
The programme provides a multisensory experience. Contact with horses stimulates physiological, psychological and social responses in children, supporting their overall development.
How does it work?
10 pupils access 5 horse riding lessons per half-term at Wirral Riding Centre. To date, over 120 children have benefited from this programme.
During each visit, children:
- Have a riding lesson along one of the lanes surrounding the centre, supported by centre staff (some of whom have complex learning needs themselves) and school staff
- Enjoy snack time
- Work on animal feeding and grooming skills
- Some even help fill the hay nets!
The impact
These experiences are excellent for building tolerance of 'busy' sensory environments, and we have seen children make fantastic progress. Some of our former pupils have continued their sessions at secondary school and now volunteer at the centre – which is wonderful to see!
During the last few weeks of the summer term, two ponies visit us on site for children who are unable to access sessions at the riding centre, ensuring all pupils can benefit from this valuable experience.
Rebound Therapy
Rebound Therapy uses trampolining to facilitate movement and support children's physical and communication development.
What is Rebound Therapy?
Rebound Therapy is used to:
- Facilitate movement
- Promote balance
- Increase or decrease muscle tone as needed
- Support relaxation
- Aid sensory integration
- Improve communication skills
Our training and approach
In November 2024, two teachers and our SI-SALT were trained in Rebound Therapy. We follow the Winstrada Programme as taught by Rebound, ensuring our approach is evidence-based and effective.
Who can access it?
From September 2025, SI-SALT Charlotte runs Rebound sessions every Tuesday afternoon with specific children, as identified through discussions with teachers and the Senior Leadership Team. This targeted approach ensures that pupils who will benefit most from Rebound Therapy can access this specialist support.