Core Therapeutic Support

Empathy is key - Above all else, our therapeutic approach and provision embodies empathy towards our young people. We listen to their story, their thoughts, needs and interests; and aim to provide them with a learning environment and curriculum content that supports them holistically. We recognise that many of our young people will have experienced difficulties and challenges in the educational environments from which they have come, and so we have carried out extensive research into therapeutic approaches and have designed our school with well being at its core. This means a welcoming, therapeutic environment with staff who are well trained and committed to building supportive, enabling relationships that encourage students to develop their emotional intelligence and explore their own strengths and interests, in order to engage with learning, and achieve their aspirations. We ensure high staff to student ratios to enable a more collaborative, project-based approach and ensure provision supports engagement and reflects the real world, with skills for life and personal growth.

A Therapeutic Approach-Centred around Well being - We embed therapeutic practices and experiences throughout our curriculum to engender prosocial feelings and to ensure all students have their physiological, safety, love, belonging, and esteem needs met so that they can utilise their strengths through self-actualization (Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs). We see relationships as the core focus of all education, with kindness, compassion and empathy being at the heart of these relationships. We use the PACE approach (Dan Hughes)  and seek to work in partnership with our students to understand potential barriers, support engagement and develop self-belief. The result of these approaches ensures both personal and collaborative progress and achievement.

Expressive Arts Therapist, Chinny Wong

Expressive arts therapy is a multi-arts approach that utilizes a variety of art modalities including visual art, music, drama and movement to help students achieve personal growth. I use creative interventions to support children express and understand their emotions, cope with stress and challenges, as well as get ready to learn. The therapy sessions provide a safe space whereby the pupils can express their thoughts and feelings. Young people will be referred for expressive arts therapy if they struggle to settle into the school environment or experience emotional and behavioural difficulties which impact their well-being and progress in school. I am registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

Play & Creative Arts Therapy - Manu Vita

At Mile House Therapeutic  School, we are committed to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our students. As part of our holistic approach to education, we are proud to offer Play & Creative Arts Therapy - a specialized form of therapy following the Integrative Holistic Model, which is validated through outstanding clinical results.

What is Play Therapy?

Play and Creative Arts Therapy is a powerful form of expressive therapy that allows children to form a meaningful connection with a therapist. This relationships helps them process and understand difficult emotions and experiences that are hard to communicate with words. For many children, it can be challenging to express what's bothering them verbally.

Play Therapy takes a child-centred, non-directive approach, offering children a safe space to explore their emotions and discover more effective ways of communicating. Using various creative mediums like therapeutic play, sand play, art, music, drama, movement, meditation and story telling, children can work through their challenges, build stronger relationships, improve resilience and develop emotional awareness. This therapeutic environment allows them to freely explore and express their feelings without fear or judgement.

How Play & Creative Arts Therapy Can Help Our Students

Play & Creative Arts Therapy is beneficial for students experiencing emotional, behavioural or social challenges including:

• Anxiety or stress related to school or home life
• Difficulty adjusting to changes such as family transitions and relocation
• Behavioural concerns such as aggression or withdrawal
• Social difficulties including peer relationships and bullying
• Emotional issues related to trauma or grief 

Through  therapeutic intervention students can:

• Gain emotional regulation skills
• Improve social and communication abilities
• Process difficult experiences in a non-verbal, child-centred way
• Build self-esteem and confidence

Our approach

At Mile Therapeutic School, our Play and Creative Arts Therapy sessions are conducted by Manu, a fully qualified  Play Therapist registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK). She has received specialized training in play therapy through accredited programmes, sensory needs support and sand play therapy.

Manu is experienced in working with children in educational settings and the  sessions are individualized to meet the specific needs of each child. She works closely with parents, caregivers and teachers to ensure comprehensive support for the child and their family. Manu creates a safe, non-judgemental environment where  children can express emotions, process trauma and develop coping strategies through Play Therapy & Creative Arts fostering both emotional and psychological growth.

Additional Therapeutic Support

In addition to our core therapeutic offer, some of our students will also have additional therapies included in their provision. The need for additional provision is most often detailed within a student's EHCP, or the need is identified during the admissions process.  All provision is carefully considered at each EHCP annual review. Additional therapies are provided by experienced, contracted professionals who have been chosen specifically for their expertise and the quality of their services.