Occupational Therapy - The Link School | Quality education for children and young people

We have a team of Occupational Therapists (OT’s), experienced in delivering therapy in a special educational needs provision.

Our focus is to help the student’s take part in the activities they want and need to do at school so that they develop their independence and confidence, reaching their potential in every aspect of school life.

These activities include:

· Eating

· Dressing

· Meal preparation

· Sensory regulation

· Gross motor and leisure skills

· Fine motor skills and tool use such as holding a pencil, using scissors and a ruler, opening containers and using kitchen utensils and equipment.

· Handwriting

· Organisation and planning

Occupational Therapists are an integral part of school life at The Link. We work closely with Class Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists and Special Support Assistants to provide a whole school approach to improving all the student’s participation and success in everyday activities. We consider the physical, sensory, and educational environment that support or limit student’s participation, achievement and wellbeing. We suggest changes and we help find solutions that are appropriate and build on the student’s strengths.

Our universal provision includes whole school training, promoting sensory friendly classrooms, good seating and strategies and support to develop life skills and movement skills.

Some students require a targeted provision. This may include an OT programme, tailored sensory strategies, advice to help school staff adapt activities and environments as well as use specialist equipment so that they can meet the student’s individual needs.

Some students receive direct intervention from the Occupational Therapist, to address a particular area of need.

Occupational Therapists contribute annually to the EHCP review paperwork. We provide a full OT report, at key stage transitions, for students receiving direct occupational therapy.

In addition, we attend the annual review meeting, providing an opportunity to discuss the student’s progress and future targets.

Therapists are also available for other parents’ meetings with school staff and external professionals where appropriate.

We welcome contact with parents and can be reached either by email or via the school office.