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What is Therapeutic Education

Our goal is to support every child to reach their full potential and, by addressing the barriers that challenge them, enable them to engage in learning. We support them on their journey from Isolation to Independence using our Six Models of Excellence.

TCES undertakes a unique and evidence-based approach to education across our schools and services, a combination of Integrated, Systemic, Milieu therapy (ISMT), and our six models, detailed below.

Learning can only happen when students feel safe enough to take risks and open themselves up to challenges.

For students with adverse childhood experiences, or those whose neurological development is atypical, this can be difficult.

Neuroscience has taught us that to support our students to move from the ‘survival’ part of their brain to the ‘thinking’ part of their brain, a therapeutic approach is best.

We use a variety of therapeutic methods to encourage emotional and social growth and create a joy for learning.

This is underpinned by 10 core principles which impact every element of our delivery across our educational programmes.

Principles of Therapeutic Education:

  1. We understand neurodiversity
  2. We understand attachment
  3. We use relationships for recovery
  4. We are consistent and predictable (Expectations, rewards and consequences)
  5. We view behaviour as communication (Emotional, sensory and physical needs)
  6. We have unconditional positive regard for students
  7. We co-regulate and role-model for students
  8. We demonstrate inclusive, strengths-based practice
  9. We develop emotional literacy
  10. We develop leadership and life skills