Guidance for schools: online Sunshine Circles
(Group Theraplay®)
Thanks to Jan Hall, Thomas’s Fund and Suffolk Music Therapy Services for their support in compiling this guide.
We suggest using Zoom because it is easy to set up and works well for music and video. NHSX is the department that brings teams together from the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement together into one unit to drive digital transformation and lead policy, implementation and change. NHSX state that all virtual interactions and usage of data are open to risk and that as long as it is explained and made clear, it is up to the school to accept and consent to this form of support. We prefer to use Zoom because it encrypts the video and audio (in other words, it jumbles it all up when being transferred), making it difficult for anyone else to view or intercept. However, there is always a degree of risk when using computers and the internet. In exceptional circumstances another platform may be used (provided that the school has been made fully aware of the risks involved and has given informed and written consent).
Please note that we require from the school:-
- There are staff present throughout the session to support the children in the activities
- The physical safety and wellbeing of the children remains your responsibility at all times throughout the session
- Simple materials and props to support the activities (a list of these is agreed with you in advance of the session)
- You have downloaded and practised with the Zoom app
- You have checked your streaming device and internet connections in advance of the session (if there is an internet issue that prevents the smooth flow for the majority of the session we will offer you a replacement session).
- We do not record the session or any data pertaining to any individual taking part.
SHEILA SCLATER DR BECKY HIGGINS
Makaton Tutor Theraplay® Practitioner
Theraplay® Practitioner Levels 1 and 2
Level 1 Group Theraplay
Group Theraplay
DBS and Public Liability Insurance. References available.
www.sheilascommunicationclasses.co.uk
sheilascommunicationclasses@gmail.com rebeccahiggins@phonecoop.coop