Intensive interaction
We are one of the very few schools in the UK where teachers are specially trained to deliver intensive interaction – a technique designed to help pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties.
Through repetitive familiar social exchanges with an attentive, interactive partner, we work on improving pupils’ social interaction and non-verbal communication skills, and encourage them to engage with others.
Over time, we find this approach makes a huge difference to childrens’ overall happiness, as well as their ability to get along with others.
J is a pupil at St Piers with epilepsy and severe learning difficulties. After a number of incidents where she’d been found hitting staff and other children, we referred her to one of our play specialists.
The specialist carried out individual intensive interaction sessions with J and discovered that she was gesturing for clapping games and activities that involved pressure being applied to the palms of her hands and fingertips.
Devising a number of interactive games, we were not only able to give J the sensory input she needed, but provide residential staff with a way of interacting with the girl in a more positive way.
Within a few weeks, the hitting had stopped and J was much happier as a result.
One student's experience of intensive interaction
Sensory therapy
Interacting and communicating are key for many students here, which is why our sensory therapy gives students the chance to express themselves.
My grandson has a severe epileptic condition. He has Lennox Gaustaut syndrome and difficult to control seizures. He can have many seizures throughout day and night. He was attending a special needs school but when he became the age of 16-17 years they could not meet his medical needs or physical needs. It was discussed that he would benefit from going to Young Epilepsy. How lucky he is to go there. It is an absolute school of excellence. He does and goes places that I never thought he would do. The heads, the teachers and all professional people are there to give and help with advice, care, and the vast experience of epilepsy. He cooks, swims, canoeing, archery and lots more. He is very happy and so am I. I do not worry about him as I have every confidence in everyone at the Young Epilepsy. 
St. Piers School is part of Young Epilepsy. Young Epilepsy is the operating name of The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy Charitable Trust. 