OT Shine Therapy
Occupational Therapy support at Knowsley Central School
The school adopts an occupation-focused approach to occupational therapy provision. Within the school setting, the occupational therapist works with pupils, staff, and parents/carers to support participation, achievement, and enjoyment in the activities that pupils need and wish to undertake, including activities of daily living.
The school is committed to collaborative practice. Occupational therapy provision is delivered in partnership with education professionals, parents or carers, and pupils to promote access to learning and participation across the full range of school activities.
The school recognises that occupational therapy provision must be context specific. Consideration is given to the physical, sensory, cultural, and educational environment in which pupils learn, with a view to identifying barriers to participation, achievement, and wellbeing, and recommending appropriate adjustments through a holistic assessment process.
Uniquely Me OT Therapy services
The school commissions Uniquely Me OT Therapy services to provide independent occupational therapy support within the school 3 days per week.
Occupational Therapy Provision in School
Our Occupational Therapist works within a consultive model, focusing on training and supporting staff to meet the needs of the pupils within the school environment.
The occupational Therapist:
- Provide whole school training and guidance to school staff and parent/carers
- Offer specialist advise and support within the classroom
- Model and mentor a range of strategies that can be utilised in supporting the pupils needs
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and other professionals involved in the pupils
Universal Provision-Available for All Pupils
All pupils at Knowsley Central School receive support through Universal Provision
What does this mean?
- Pupils are not on the Occupational Therapist caseload.
- Universal sensory preferences and strategies are embedded into the school day to enable access to learning for all pupils within the school setting
- The occupational Therapist continues to actively support teachers and TA’s through modelling, guidance and coaching to ensure all pupils can access learning
Examples of Universal Strategies in school:
- Whole class sensory lifestyle guidance and provision
- Access to a range of equipment to specifically meet sensory preferences and needs
- access to a arrange of fine motor skill activities
- access to doh disco which specifically focuses on developing fine motor skills
- Access to gross motor activity programme (squiggle while you wiggle)
- Access to range of intervention spaces, light room, sensory room, sensory circuit room, immersive room and soft play area.
Targeted and Specialist Provision- Additional Support
Where appropriate, direct specialist advise/assessment from Occupational Therapy may be provided.
What does this mean?
- Direct specialist advice, assessment or support from OT may be provided for a small number of pupils.
- This level of provision is determined through collaboration between OT, Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff.
- Support is focused and short-term
- Personalised sensory lifestyle
Working in Partnership with Families
We recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their child’s needs and development. We are always very happy to meet with parent/carers individually to discuss any concerns and provide specific advice or support.
If you would like further information about Occupational Therapy support available within school, please contact Sam Fair via the main school office.
