Interventions
School interventions allow the teacher to identify and address gaps in a young person's knowledge and barriers to their progress. Specific pieces of work are delivered to individual students to address this.
Types of Intervention Used at Tor School
Talking therapy
Talking therapies involve working with a trained adult to identify and change troubling thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The work during the sessions enable students to share problems, overcome difficulties, and achieve goals. Talking therapies can be done in a variety of way.
Art therapy
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art as a primary way to express and communicate feelings and thoughts. It can help people to:
- Reduce distress and conflicts
- Improve cognitive functions
- Build emotional resilience and social skills
- Foster self-esteem
- Gain insight and understand themselves better
- Promote self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth
- Discover an outlet for complex feelings
- Foster self-awareness and growth
ELSA
ELSAs are members of staff who help students develop their emotional literacy, which includes: Understanding and coping with feelings, Developing self-esteem, and Positive interactions with others.
ELSA sessions are fun and include activities like games, role-play, and mindfulness. They aim to support a wide range of emotional needs, including:
Recognising emotions, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Social skills, Friendship skills, Anger management, and Loss and bereavement.
ELSA support is different from counselling or other listening-based support services.
Talkabout
Talkabout is a structured program that teaches and measures social communication skills for people of all ages. The program is designed to help people improve skills such as listening, body language, and assertiveness.
Talkabout is based on a hierarchical approach, teaching foundation skills before more complex skills. The program includes:
- Assessment: A pre-assessment that provides an individualised overview of each person's social skills
- Activities: A structured program with activities that focus on body language, conversation, and assertiveness
- Intervention plans: Plans for intervention are divided into three academic terms
- Outcome measures: A method for quantifying results
Talkabout is suitable for people with a range of conditions, including: Mild learning difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Conditions, Pragmatic Language impairment, and Poor Social Communication Skills.
Speakeasy
We are fortunate to have Steve Uttley in school, once a week to deliver Speakeasy sessions:
Since 2010 I have offered support and social education to young people in schools, PRU's and within communities across Somerset, Bristol, London and Hertfordshire; independently, through my company Speakeasy Support Ltd.
My work embodies a philosophy developed over these years. One which starts with a simple hello and leads to honest, open and transparent dialogue with the young people. A cycle of reflection, understanding and action is maintained within this confidential and non-judgemental relationship.