What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) support people to develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities as independently as possible.
OTs work with people of all ages and in a range of settings. They can support people with physical, sensory and/or mental health needs.
Occupational therapy can help people maintain, regain or develop the skills they need at home, in education and in employment. This may include:
- developing fine and gross motor skills
- learning self-care skills, such as feeding and dressing
- developing independence with everyday tasks
- supporting meal preparation and other practical activities
- finding strategies to manage sensory processing needs such as supporting participation in busy or challenging environments.
Charlton Park Academy Occupational Therapy Service
Our school-based OTs work closely with class staff to develop strategies and build opportunities for practice into everyday school routines. The OT team works across the different pathways within the Academy.
Many of our young people have sensory processing needs. Our OTs work with students and their support staff to identify the sensory input and strategies they need to stay regulated and participate in learning and school activities.
The Occupational Therapists are:
Sinead Boland – Occupational Therapist, 3 days per week
Kirsty Richards – Occupational Therapist, 2 days per week
Diana Bennett – Occupational Therapist, 2 days per week
Alex Loweth – Occupational Therapist, 2 days per week
Meroe Dalphini – Occupational Therapist, 2 days per week
Nicola Lucas – OT Technician, 1 day per week
When might a student need Occupational Therapy?
Referrals for targeted or specialist support should explain how a difficulty is affecting the student’s everyday life. This might include:
Fine motor difficulties that affect skills such as managing buttons and zips, using cutlery or holding and controlling a pencil.
Sensory processing difficulties that may result in a student being constantly on the go and affect their engagement and participation in class activities.
Once an OT intervention has been completed, a student can be referred again if further support is needed. Class teachers can make a new referral by completing the OT service referral form.
NHS Occupational Therapy
The school also works with NHS Occupational Therapists, who visit the Academy regularly. They provide equipment and support for students with physical disabilities.
