Occupational Therapy
What is a School-Based Children’s Occupational Therapist?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a science-based profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. At Castledon School, OTs help children and young adults manage and participate in school activities, sports, and daily living tasks (eating, dressing, handwriting). The focus is on wellbeing and participation.
Our Approach at Castledon
Our OT collaborates with the therapy team (Speech and Language Therapist, Thrive
Licensed Practitioner, and Psychotherapist) and teaching staff. This includes staff training, school/class/child-specific recommendations, and advice on specialist equipment or targeted programmes. We support children with motor skills difficulties and sensory processing differences, using the Zones of Regulation to help pupils understand and communicate their emotions. Individualised toolkits are provided for those needing extra support.
How Do We Work?
Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, our OT assesses strengths, interests, and goals. These models help identify the best environment, resources, and activities for children with sensory processing differences, promoting regulation and school function.
Services Provided by Laura Holmes, Great Little OT Practice
OT Availability:
- In school 2 days a week.
- Implements school-wide, class-wide, and small group interventions.
- Direct access to OT through in-house referral procedures.
Home Visits:
- Exceptional circumstances only.
- Advice via phone, video call, or in-person at school.
- For home-specific input, referrals to NHS or social care may be needed.
Review Meetings:
- OT attends only when appropriate.
- Provides summary reports if direct input was given during the review year.
Appendices:
