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Integrated Therapies

At Headstart Residential Care therapy is not a separate service—it’s embedded into every aspect of daily life.

At Headstart Residential Care therapy is not a separate service—it’s embedded into every aspect of daily life. Each young person benefits from an individualised therapeutic programme that is carefully integrated into their care plan and daily routines. Our staff work hand-in-hand with our in-house therapeutic team to ensure continuity, consistency, and compassion in every interaction.

Our Therapeutic Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Thrive Practitioners
  • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioners
  • Behaviour Consultants
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Art and Lego Therapists
  • Specialists in Autism, ADHD, and trauma-informed care
  • Trainee Clinical Psychologist

All staff are trained in PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy)—the foundation of our therapeutic approach—and receive regular supervision and support from our professional therapists.

A Holistic Approach

Upon arrival, each young person begins a 12-week settling-in programme. During this time, our practitioners and behavioural specialists complete comprehensive assessments covering:

  • Social, emotional, and behavioural needs
  • Cognitive functioning
  • Functional living skills

These assessments inform a bespoke therapeutic plan tailored to support every aspect of the young person’s development—from emotional regulation to independence.

Creative and Sensory Therapies

We offer a wide range of therapeutic experiences, including:

  • Art and music therapy
  • Mindfulness and relaxation
  • 1:1 therapeutic sessions
  • Animal-assisted therapy through our on-site mini-farm and equine centre

These experiences help build self-esteem, improve empathy, and provide safe, expressive outlets for emotions and communication.

Empowering Growth

Our ethos of positive reinforcement underpins everything we do. We focus on building self-worth, encouraging appropriate behaviour, and helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to move forward in life.

At Headstart, therapy is not just something we do—it’s who we are. Every moment is an opportunity to support, empower, and inspire the young people in our care.

The young person has made great progress since being at Headstart, to the point that his staffing has now reduced to 1:1 in the daytime (he was 3:1 a few years ago). Staff really understand and appreciate him, and have helped him develop his independence and confidence. His keyworker in particular is amazing and so dedicated. The team are professional and keep me up to date.

I’ve consistently found the team to be highly professional, communicative, and responsive. Their commitment to supporting the child is evident in the positive progress I’ve observed, particularly in how they tailor care to individual needs. The collaborative approach and openness to partnership working have made a real difference in ensuring continuity and quality of care.