Enhancements & Enrichments
Thrive
THRIVE supports children with their emotional health, well-being and social skills, all of which are needed to enable learning to take place. The THRIVE Approach draws on the latest research from current neuroscience, recent attachment research, current studies of effective learning and current models of child development to help us understand the needs of children’s behaviour.
Here at Mayfield, we are proud to have three fully licenced Thrive practitioners who can provide support for all our pupils throughout the school, from early years to adolescence. In addition to one-on-one sessions, our practitioners offer staff training and support and run the Thrive for Parents course.
Sensory Inclusion
Mayfield is the first school in the country to be awarded the ‘Silver Award for Sensory Inclusion’.
This award acknowledges the work that we do with our sensory students. We have worked hard all year to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our students, planning and implementing strategies so that they are ready to learn and offering training to parents to encourage continuity between home and school.
We have changed and adapted learning environments, implemented sensory circuits and sensory diets for those that need them and we have seen the massive positive effect on our pupils.
Move
We are proud to be a MOVE Centre of Excellence, a status which is awarded to organisations who are outstanding examples of MOVE Programme best practice.
In addition to our exceptional MOVE provision for the children and young people within school, Centres of Excellence also act as ambassadors for the programme and work closely with MOVE Europe to develop and introduce the MOVE Programme to other settings. We offer our MOVE programme to all pupils at Mayfield with physical disabilities and forms an integral part of their daily routine and their learning.
MOVE is a positive approach which focuses on what the pupil can do, not what the pupil can’t do. The aim of the programme is to acquire and maintain functional skills which can be generalised to be used in their daily lives.
MATP Centre of Excellence
We are proud to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), one of only three schools in the country to achieve this prestigious accreditation. Designed by Special Olympics, MATP is a sports-based mobility programme that provides meaningful physical activity for students with complex physical needs, PMLD, and complex support needs.
The programme focuses on four key skill areas: Mobility (independent movement), Dexterity (fine motor control and throwing), Kicking (lower body movement), and Striking (upper body movement). These activities are tailored to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, can engage in structured movement-based experiences that support their physical development.
MATP has been embedded in our curriculum since 2020, helping students develop motor skills, coordination, and confidence through engaging, structured activities. During our accreditation, assessors praised the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the inclusive approach that MATP fosters within our school.
As a Centre of Excellence, we remain committed to enhancing and expanding our MATP provision, ensuring every student benefits from accessible and engaging physical development opportunities.
Rebound Therapy
Rebound Therapy is the therapeutic use of the trampoline and has been used in special needs education since the 1970s. At Mayfield, we have our own rebound therapy trampoline, trained therapists and a dedicated timetable. Children who attend these sessions have a range of disabilities and health needs. In addition to providing physical therapy, rebound therapy provides the opportunity to enjoy movement and interaction while having great fun!
DofE
At Mayfield, we are proud to offer every student the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme, regardless of their disability or level of need. We provide all three award levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and are one of the few special schools in the UK to support students in working towards and achieving the prestigious Gold Award.
The DofE programme is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, where students have fun, make lasting friendships, and experience a genuine sense of achievement. Through their involvement, they develop vital life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, and social interaction. These experiences not only build self-esteem and confidence but also enhance future employability.
The DofE Award is not about competing with others, it’s about setting personal goals, overcoming challenges, and pushing beyond individual limits. Our students consistently prove they can succeed at the same level as their peers in mainstream education, making the programme a truly inclusive and empowering part of life at Mayfield.
Mindful Morning Session
To support our students’ wellbeing and emotional regulation, we offer a Mindful Morning session at the start of each day. Held in our immersive theatre, this session creates a calm, sensory-rich environment designed to soothe and centre the mind. It includes guided breathing exercises, relaxing music, and soothing visuals to help pupils start their day with a sense of calm.
The Mindful Morning is especially beneficial for students who may feel dysregulated upon arrival, providing them with a gentle, supportive transition into the school day. By setting a positive and peaceful tone from the very beginning, this session helps students focus and engage in their learning with confidence.
Woodland Learning
At Mayfield, Woodland Learning is a cornerstone of our curriculum, offering students immersive, hands-on experiences in a natural, outdoor environment. Through a variety of outdoor activities, pupils develop valuable life skills, build confidence, and foster a deep connection with nature.
Students engage in exciting and practical tasks such as planting, building fires, creating s’mores, constructing dens, setting up hammocks, and designing minibeast houses. These activities encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and independence, all while making learning fun and relevant.
Woodland Learning also plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. The therapeutic benefits of nature, combined with the physical and sensory activities, help reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance mood and behaviour. This holistic approach not only aids in personal development but also enriches learning across the curriculum, ensuring a balanced and enriching educational experience.
Desensitisation Club
Many of our pupils experience anxiety or discomfort in certain social situations. The Desensitisation Club has been created to address these challenges in a fun, relaxed, and gradual way, using our immersive theatre as a tool. The club focuses on helping students who may feel uneasy about everyday experiences, such as having their hair cut or interacting with medical professionals.
By offering a safe, supportive environment, we aim to reduce these anxieties step by step, helping students build confidence and coping strategies. These issues can have a significant impact on both the pupils and their families, so our approach is designed to make these situations more manageable and less stressful for everyone involved.