Students are encouraged and support to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, with a focus on positive social and emotional wellbeing.

Residential students take an active role in planning the weekly menu for their accommodations. Strong emphasis is placed on providing students with the knowledge and support to make food choices which contribute to a healthy diet. Shopping for food is an integral part of the practical life skills curriculum that gives students the opportunity to learn about food labelling and to select healthy options when out in the community.

Our catering team also provides balanced healthy meals and snacks, served from the college refectory. Health and well-being a key role in making sure students’ health needs are supported appropriately and that students, through specific programmes, are increasingly encouraged to where possible gain the necessary skills to also manage their own medical needs.

Faith and Worship

At Cambian Lufton College we understand how important it is that students are supported to participate in worship according to their beliefs. There are a variety of places of worship in the local communities near to the College.

Student Voice

The Council consists of elected students who are chosen to represent the views of all the students. The representatives meet regularly to initiate projects and develop new ideas.

They work to solve problems, influence and make changes in order to act in the best interests of the College. They suggest improvements to ensure that views are listened to and respected.

Students also have regular access to an independent advocate who visits the college regularly and who will act on their behalf should they feel they would like to raise concerns.

Therapy & Clinical Services for young people with Autism

Whilst at Cambian Lufton College, we encourage our students to pursue their interests and provide them the support they need to meet their agreed targets and consistently achieve their personal best. Our range of multidisciplinary therapies are delivered by a highly skilled and passionate team who work together to achieve a holistic inclusive environment.

Read the Clinical Team Handbook here.

➜  Clinical Team at Lufton College

Speech & Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy support at Lufton focusses on maintaining and developing students’ communication skills (their ability to express themselves and understand other people).

We are always working to increase students’ inclusion, independence and quality of life for the long term. The Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and Integrated Therapy Assistant (ITA) are both based on-site, and their roles include:

• Providing staff training on Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies, such as Talking Mats, Social Stories, Intensive Interaction, and communication aids.

• Producing Communication Profile documents for all students. These identify individuals’ strengths and needs, and provide strategies for maximise their understanding and expression.

• Meeting the SLT recommendations included in students’ EHCPs.

• Contributing to cross-college goals, progress reports, review meetings, and recommendations for EHCP amendments.

• Responding to referrals for additional assessment or communication support needs.

• Supporting the college to achieve an Inclusive Communication environment where all means of communication are valued and supported

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a 'doing' therapy, we believe people are innately occupational beings & at Lufton College the OT role includes:

• Meeting the Occupational Therapy recommendations stated on students' EHCP

• Working with students and their support staff to support student choice, control and independence in work, leisure and self-care activities

• Assessing the skills required to meet personal goals, including: physical; sensory; knowledge; timing; organisational; problem solving and communication, motivational skills and occupational patterns; Working with students and their support staff within educational sessions and in their residences;

• Providing a 1:1 Occupational Therapy intervention or group workshop;

• Recommendations to the wider support team of strategies, activities or environmental adaptation to support learning and development

Psychological Support

The Clinical Psychologist is on site once a week but works for Cambian and can be contacted if needed across the working week. Students at Lufton College may have experienced difficult circumstances in their lives.

The Clinical Psychologist has provided training on trauma, attachment styles and a low arousal approach to staff to equip them to deal sensitively and appropriately with these issues. She is also available to meet with staff to advise on these matters if needed. Any member of the teaching or home staff can request a consultation with the Clinical Psychologist to discuss concerns they may have about a students emotional wellbeing or their behaviour.

The Clinical Psychologist also contributes to the consideration of incidents and the circumstances surrounding these with the aim of increasing proactive approaches, de-escalation and reducing any restrictions whenever possible. For those students amenable to talking therapies there is also the possibility of individual sessions with the Clinical Psychologist.

Positive Behaviour Support

All students receive input from the Behaviour Support Practitioner:

• A bespoke positive behaviour support plan, created by the behaviour practitioner but in conjunction with the clinical team, key workers, house managers, parents and others that are involved in the support of the young person.

• 1:1 support for the young people.

• Support during incidents if required.

• Staff training, advice, guidance and resource support.

• Support to maintain and develop a low arousal sensory environment.

• Input to students’ cross-college goals regarding occupational therapy input.

• Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings. Ad-hoc support for staff and students regarding specific short-term challenge 

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a clinical intervention that uses music-based experiences to aid people with their physical, cognitive, emotional and psychological needs. The sessions are tailored to the student’s individual needs and can help with the attainment of clinical and EHCP goals. There are many different ways in which a music therapist can use music within their sessions, for example:

• Musical improvisation
• Song writing
• Listening to music
• Composition

However, this is not an exhaustive list as there are many other techniques in which music therapist can use.

Music therapists are trained to tune into their clients by observation of body movements, facial expressions and other micro movements. They react musically or verbally to connect with their client and use a range of evidence-based interventions from which they build on a therapeutic relationship.

At Lufton College the resident music therapist works within a multi-disciplinary team. They participate in regular therapy meetings and work alongside all the staff to help with supporting successful interventions that happen within music therapy that may be beneficial to student across all area in the college.

Music therapist are a regulated body of professionals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Music Therapy (BAMT).

There are many ways in which music therapy can help:

• Self-expression and self-exploration
• Motor skills
• Building relationships
• A supportive environment
• Help with anxieties.
• Allows for space, silence, and reflection.
• Promotes physical and mental wellbeing.
• Builds on confidence and initiation.
• Communication skills.
• Creativity