Therapeutic Support at Fern House School

At Fern House, we believe in providing comprehensive support for our pupils' well-being. Our therapeutic approach offers a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for children and young people to explore their challenges and develop essential coping skills.

What is Therapy?

Therapy is a facilitated process where a trained professional helps individuals navigate a range of emotional, social and psychological difficulties. It is a confidential environment where pupils can express themselves freely without fear of judgment.

Currently, Fern House School offers Play Therapy. We are proud to have a dedicated Play Therapist who works at Fern House two days a week, providing consistent and expert support.

• Play Therapy: For our pupils, play is their natural language. Play therapy uses toys and creative activities to help children express feelings, explore experiences and develop coping mechanisms when words are difficult. It provides a safe space for them to process emotions and experiences at their own pace.

What Does Therapy Involve?

Therapy provides pupils with dedicated time and space to work with a skilled professional. Building trusting relationships is fundamental at Fern House, which is why we often implement long-term interventions to ensure a lasting positive impact on our pupils' well-being.

Through play therapy, children are empowered to:

• "Present differently": Safely explore and experiment with new ways of being and reacting.
• Develop curiosity and engagement: Foster a proactive approach to understanding themselves and their experiences.
• Address a wide range of themes: Including attachment, rejection, anxiety and trust.

Why Do We Prioritise Therapy at Fern House?

Our therapeutic provision is integral to our holistic approach to pupil development, offering numerous benefits:

• Emotional Expression: Helps pupils articulate difficult inner feelings and process complex trauma.
• Confidence & Self-Esteem: Contributes to pupils' developing a stronger sense of self-worth.
• Control & Choice: Provides a safe space for pupils to learn about and exercise personal agency.
• Anxiety Reduction & Wellbeing: Helps to lower anxiety levels and promote an overall sense of peace and security.
• Trusting Relationships: Fosters the development of secure and positive relationships.
• Neurological Development: Supports the building of executive functioning brain pathways, which are crucial for learning.
• Individualised Support: Offers the opportunity for long-term interventions precisely tailored to the unique needs of each child.
• EHCP Fulfilment: Helps meet the therapeutic obligations outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Enhances teamwork between healthcare, social care, clinical professionals and the school.
• Positive Partnerships: Builds strong connections with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and other specialist professionals.
• Training & Development: Provides opportunities to support therapy students and contribute to training programmes at institutions like Goldsmiths and Roehampton.