Supporting Pupils and Staff: How Dramatherapy Makes a Difference in SEN Schools

In Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, every child’s journey is unique. Many pupils face significant challenges in regulating their emotions, communicating their needs, and feeling safe in their environment. As a drama therapist, my role is to create a therapeutic space where children can explore these challenges in creative, safe, and non-judgemental ways. But increasingly, my work also extends to supporting the staff who care for them every day. 

Extending Therapy Beyond the Room 

In one SEN school where I work, staff asked if I could offer practical advice to help them support pupils in the classroom. By sharing therapeutic insights and strategies, I can bridge the gap between therapy sessions and day-to-day school life — making the benefits of dramatherapy ripple beyond the therapy room. 

Example 1: “You Are Safe Here” 

One pupil I worked with often expressed that he felt unsafe. In his therapy sessions, I noticed how powerful it was when I reminded him: “You are safe in school.” Those simple, grounding words helped him feel secure and more able to regulate his emotions. 

When I shared this with his teacher, she began to use the same phrase during moments of distress. Together, we also developed a visual aid so that he could communicate and be reminded of safety without always relying on words. This consistent approach has had a significant impact on his sense of security in class. 

Example 2: Safe Physical Release 

Another pupil I supported struggled with bursts of frustration that sometimes became physically challenging for peers and staff. In therapy, I encouraged him to channel that energy into safe, structured physical actions — such as wall push-ups. 

When his teachers introduced this into the classroom, it gave him a safe and contained way to release tension. The result was fewer physical outbursts and a much calmer learning environment for everyone. 

Why Staff Support Matters 

For staff in SEN schools, supporting children with complex needs can be both rewarding and demanding. By offering practical therapeutic strategies, I can help teachers and support workers feel more confident and equipped to respond to difficult moments. This, in turn, helps pupils feel safer, more understood, and more able to thrive. 

Dramatherapy is not only about helping children express themselves — it’s about empowering the whole school community with tools that make everyday challenges more manageable. Together, we can create spaces where pupils feel safe, supported, and able to flourish.