For our pupils, bounceOT is focused on the sensory and social outcomes, giving a safe space for them to experience the sensations that come with being on a trampoline and the chance to engage with staff during the session. The benefits of the sessions extend beyond the trampoline though, with the time spent in these sessions having a calming effect which can help pupils throughout the day!
Headteacher, New Struan School (2021)
BounceOT and Scottish Autism's school - New Struan School - officially started working together back in August 2017.
"Over the summer, the school had a brand new piece of equipment installed – a large trampoline! This means that we are now able to offer Rebound Therapy sessions within the school, with the help of Callum"
Click here to read the blog from Scottish Autism in 2017!
Callum MacKinnon (Founder & Specialist Occupational Therapist) met with Jasmine Miller - previous Headteacher at New Struan School - in 2016 to discuss the potential of working together. Jasmine already heard about rebound therapy as an activity, but was unaware of anywhere locally providing training and/or direct service provision.
Over a few months of meetings, Jasmine allocated funding to buy a trampoline, soft steps & wall padding that was suitable for running rebound therapy sessions within their school gym hall.
The contribution your service makes to our school community is beyond words and we can see how much it positively impacts our pupils.
Depute Head Teacher, New Struan School (2023)
bounceOT have been working in the school consistently across a term-time schedule -
Tuesday mornings between 9am - 12pm
&
Thursday mornings between 9am - 12pm
Over the years, various bounceOT staff and Occupational Therapy students on placement have worked in the school.
Sarah (Occupational Therapist - September 2017) helping facilitate rebound therapy sessions
Occupational Therapy students from Glasgow Caledonian University, Edinburgh Napier University & Queen Margaret University have all had the opportunity to work with pupils (whilst being on placement with bounceOT).
Example blogs from students -
Student Placement Feedback – Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Occupational Therapy (OT)
How I’ve been adhering to RCOT and HCPC guidelines throughout my placement – Andraya OT student
GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child) at bOunceT – Cadhla QMU OT student blog
bounceOT and management at New Struan School have agreed to continue working together this year (2023-24) and to continue the partnership from August 2024 onwards [on an annual rolling basis].
[from 2017 blog] -
"During each session, pupils have free time to bounce and move on the trampoline in the way that feels best for them. Callum can then introduce different games and activities including bouncing with small, colourful balls on the trampoline to larger peanut balls that pupils have to sit on and not fall off."
"Different pupils will have the opportunity to attend Rebound Therapy sessions each term and by the end of this academic year, everyone will have had a turn taking part."
Thank you for the part you have played in understanding and supporting our young people.
Depute Head Teacher, New Struan School (2023)
Ryan (Therapeutic Play Leader) & Eliza (Service Manager) in the Gym Hall at New Struan School
Wendy (Therapeutic Play Leader) - Eliza (Service Manager) - Brian (Therapeutic Play Leader) at New Struan School in Alloa
Further Reading/ More Information
New Struan Day and Residential School offers a weekly residential experience for 52 weeks a year, providing a 24 hour programme of education and care.
Education at New Struan School is delivered in a unique environment specifically designed to support learning for young autistic people.
Each person has Child Plan specifically designed to enhance their learning and personal development.
The bespoke building was conceived and designed by a parent of an autistic child combined with the views of pupils and the expertise of staff who had observed how the physical environment could impact a child’s ability to learn and develop.
Outdoor play is key to a child’s social, emotional and physical development. The playground at New Struan offers an array of equipment to engage with and opportunities to reinforce skills learnt in the classroom.
