Richmond Department
Our Multisensory Department accommodates our pupils who have profound and multiple learning difficulties and those pupils who have early developmental levels and need their curriculum delivered using multisensory approaches. Many of our pupils have a range of complex and/or medical needs.
Facilities Included In This Department Are:
- Specially designed classrooms with hoists
- Toilet/changing area
- Pool
- Sensory Theatre, providing stimulatory, interactive and relaxing activities
- Sensory Garden
- Adapted Swings, wheelchair trampoline and Special Roundabout for Wheelchair users
- Specially adapted furniture to meet individual needs
- Variety of equipment relating to the sensory curriculum
- ICT equipment - computers, smart boards, Special switches, eye gaze - all enabling pupils to communicate independently
Pupils receive Physiotherapy, ranging from passive stretching exercises to access the MOVE programme which enables them to increase mobility and independence. The school Physiotherapist visits once a week to carry out assessments and advise school staff on individual programmes.
Curriculum:
Much of the curriculum is accessed by our pupils through a multisensory approach using artefacts which stimulate the senses - seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting and smelling. Another approach which is widely used is Intensive Interaction - a method teaching the pre-speech fundamentals of communication. Drama and Music are also key elements and are used across the curriculum. Pupils have access to specialist lessons, and are taught by Specialist Teachers in music and art in specialist rooms. The pupils have weekly Community Visits which enable them access to different organisations and facilities.