Syon Manor College benefits from the support of an experienced and established clinical team, who have been supporting the needs of autistic people for many years.
Their combined experience allows for the development of innovative and tailored solutions to support the continuing personal growth of the learners at the college. the clinical team consists of psychology, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.
The clinical team works alongside the educational team to ensure that the learners’ sensory, communication and emotional needs are being met. With these needs met learners are better able to open themselves up to opportunities that will support better engagement in sessions and consequent skill development and improved quality of life.
Pastoral Support
While learners study with the college, they will receive regular pastoral support, and be assigned a lead staff member who will ensure their progress is planned, monitored and celebrated. This person also assists with the learners’ transition and will be a key link for families. Our pastoral team also signpost parents/families to external agencies for support, information, advice, and guidance.
All learners also have an induction, regular update meetings, target setting and reviews. Each year, a full review will take place, focusing on the learner’s aspirations, objectives, and positive progress. Each learner’s programme is different, as is their progress and careful consideration is given to the planning of timetables, support, and attendance patterns.
Clinical approach at Syon Manor College
Our team
The Clinical Team is a multidisciplinary team comprising a range of professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Creative Psychotherapists, Clinical and Assistant Psychologists, and Therapy Assistants. The clinical team supports education staff in creating a therapeutic environment that allows every child to learn, engage, and thrive. Our therapy team covers several college sites, including Syon Manor College, Vine House, and Aston House.
How do we work with our students :
Students’ therapy is based on EHCP provision, and referrals are made to the Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, a collaborative effort that depends on the student’s current need and involves all stakeholders.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapists support young people’s communication. We work closely with school staff to embed a Total Communication Approach, where young people are free to communicate using whatever method of communication they prefer, e.g. body language, Makaton signing, pictures/symbols, spoken language and AAC (alternative and augmentative communication). We also work with young people to develop their speech sounds and social communication skills.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with young people to help them explore the world around them and develop the functional skills required to achieve essential activities in their daily lives in school and at home. We also collaborate closely with school staff and other professionals at a universal and enhanced level so that children can access therapeutic input throughout their school journey.
Cognitive, Social and Emotional Team
The role of the CSET team is to remove barriers, improve access to school and learning, and support skills for well-being and independence using clinical psychology and creative psychotherapy. Assistant psychologists support CSET with input, including individual and group sessions, assessments, and audits, and the clinical psychologist supervises them. The CSET team accepts referrals via school staff only, and work is joined up with external NHS agencies and social care as a part of the broader Social Emotional and Mental Health offer.
You can find more information about our Clinical Offer by clicking on Parents&Careers ——>Important Information
Ask Accept Develop
This is the OFG neuro-affirming strategy, in which we work with students to compile a profile.
We ASK students their preferred method of communication; we help them ACCEPT their abilities in communication and language. We DEVELOP the students’ and their families’ ideas to meet their end goal: finding suitable employment.
What is our clinical offer ?
Our Wellbeing Strategy ensures that all young people and adults we educate and care for are nurtured, their physical and mental health is prioritized, and they’re given opportunities leading to outcomes that match their strengths and abilities.
It aims to ensure that every individual living and learning in one of our settings reaches their optimum level of wellbeing as defined and measured by placement stability, academic achievement and recognised quality of life outcome assessments.
Our commitment to wellbeing and education is unwavering. The strategy is closely linked to our vision, mission, promise, and pledge. These statements underpin the more enhanced care and education environments, and the more specialised interventions that some young people need in order to reach their optimum level of wellbeing. This reassures our staff, educators, and caregivers, instilling a sense of confidence in our shared mission.
Pastoral support
Mentors and Mentees
At Syon Manor College, the mentor-mentee system is designed to provide students with extra support and guidance throughout their learning journey. Each mentor is a teacher who works closely with a small group of up to nine students. The mentor’s role is to offer academic help, encouragement, and advice, making sure that students stay on track with their studies and personal development.
Mentors and mentees have regular meetings, where students can discuss any challenges they are facing, set goals, and get support with their work. These sessions also help students build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. If a student needs additional support, mentors can help them access further resources or specialist staff.
The mentor-mentee system also focuses on well-being, ensuring that students feel comfortable and supported in their learning environment. Whether it’s help with coursework, planning for the future, or simply having someone to talk to, mentors play an important role in helping students succeed