Brooklands Music Therapy

Brooklands Music Therapy is delivered by Nordoff-Robbins, the UK's leading private music therapy provider. Music therapy sessions take place for a range of pupils, both individually and in groups. Our therapists, Kwaku and Connie, are expert musicians who are absolutely dedicated and passionate about the benefits of music therapy for children with learning difficulties. The key to the success of this approach is that it employs music as a medium to help develop pupils by:

• Improving physical health and ability
• Addressing emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Developing communication and social skills
• Increasing creativity, self-esteem and confidence

Brooklands Music Therapy Referral Procedure

• Our therapists each work 1 day per week and offer up to 6 slots in that working day
• The therapy offered is based on the individual needs of pupils through a referral process
• Therapy is set at a minimum of half a term per pupil or group to ensure value of experience, allowing the development of meaningful working relationships between the music therapist and pupils and secure progression
• There is a waiting list system in place to ensure new referrals receive therapy once the current client cycle has expired
• Parents can contact the music therapist regarding a referral directly via email
• The therapist, teacher or parent/carer can instigate a referral for a given child
• A request for music therapy can be denied through dialogue with the music therapist if the pupil need is not considered sufficient
• The referral process consists of at least 2 assessment sessions with the pupil. Following this, if therapy is to commence in full, the parent will complete a referral form which is returned to Deputy Head Teacher Gary Hilton
• The music therapist keeps weekly session records which teachers and parents have access to via Gary Hilton
• The music therapist also complies a discharge report on termination of therapy

Music Therapy Referral Criteria

The following criteria are considered when deciding whether a referral is necessary:

• Social interaction
• Turn taking
• Experience of self in the company of others
• Waiting, sharing
• Listening skills
• Awareness of self
• Weak communication
• Lack of eye contact
• Social difficulties
• Helping the children to express themselves when they don’t have the words or know how to
• Promote purposeful play
• Emotional and/or behavioural issues

Music therapy can assist with all these issues and a child can be referred for one or a number of reasons — therapy will be based on the individual child and what they bring to the sessions.