ADO Therapy Day Service

A 2 to 4 day service for children and young people aged 13 or over who struggle in full time education due to their mental health or other associated needs or traumas.

It helps children and young people express themselves in a safe and secure environment and helps their mental health and self-worth.

Days and times
A school or professional may refer a child or young person, this may be if the child is on a reduced school timetable and needs therapeutic support on the other days.

Once offered a place, they attend from 9am to 3pm for a minimum of two weekdays.

A child will go to the service for a minimum of one term.

Activities and curriculum

This service does not follow specific educational outcomes but works through a holistic curriculum. It also integrates children and young people with peers who are on roll for the same service which helps to improve and develop social skills. 

The curriculum currently covers topics which helps children and young people manage in daily life including: 

• relationships
• sex education
• healthy living
• independence
• mindfulness
• mental health awareness

The groups get access to our animals, including horses, adventure sport and wider eco activities.

Each Within child has access to 1:1 assisted activities interventions per week, and group art therapy.

If a child is progressing well and attending up to 4 days, there may be discussions to see if the child could start to return education full time, or start at ADO's Independent School, ADO River Valley. In other cases, they may want to continue with the service on a longer term.

Assessments and support
The day service includes assessments and 2 days of 1:1 practical assessments no site.

If the young person is under 18, they must have a parent or carer with them for the initial assessment. 

After the initial assessment, sessions are 1:1 with the young person and therapist unless otherwise arranged.