Therapeutic Support at Little Rivers

 

At Little Rivers, we believe that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for successful learning. Our therapeutic services are led by Nicky Bonsignore, Trauma Informed Schools and Communities Practitioner, working closely alongside the Little Rivers team to provide compassionate, child-centred support.

Understanding Every Child

When a child joins Little Rivers for our up to 12-week programme, we take the time to understand their individual social and emotional needs. We work collaboratively with children, families, schools and other professionals to create a supportive environment where children can feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

A key part of this process is helping children to "settle to learn". By understanding the experiences, emotions and challenges behind behaviours, we can provide the right support at the right time.

Before a child starts with us, parents and schools complete a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). This helps us identify areas where additional emotional support and guidance may be beneficial, allowing us to develop a tailored approach for each child.

Bespoke Therapeutic Support

Every child is unique, which is why our therapeutic support is carefully planned in partnership with parents and carers. Together, we identify the most appropriate interventions to support the child's emotional wellbeing and personal development during their time at Little Rivers.

Our approach recognises that behaviour is often a form of communication, and we help children explore, understand and process their emotions in healthy and positive ways.

Where additional support may be needed beyond a child's placement, Nicky works closely with parents and schools to discuss referrals to specialist services, including:

• Art Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Talking Therapies and Counselling
• Other appropriate professional services

Trauma-Informed Practice

Nicky is qualified to deliver a range of trauma-informed interventions and therapeutic approaches designed to support children's social, emotional and mental health needs. Parents are always fully involved in discussions around any therapeutic support, ensuring transparency, understanding and collaboration throughout the process.

Training and Outreach Support

In addition to supporting children directly, Nicky offers a range of Trauma-Informed Workshops and Bite-Size Training Sessions for education staff. These sessions provide practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how trauma can impact learning, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

To book a workshop, please visit our Workshops page and complete the booking form provided.

Outreach and In-Reach Programmes

Our therapeutic outreach support follows the Little Rivers Outreach criteria and includes access to a range of specialist interventions. Information leaflets and referral guidance for each therapeutic intervention are available below.

Our in-reach therapeutic provision currently includes:

• The Mulberry Bush SEMH Programme
• YGAM Gaming and Digital Wellbeing Intervention

Further information about these programmes can be found in the resources section below.

Supporting Children to Thrive

At Little Rivers, our goal is simple: to help every child feel understood, valued and supported. By nurturing emotional wellbeing, building resilience and strengthening positive mental health, we help children develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.