Occupational Therapy at Whitefield

Introduction

Occupational Therapy can help children with various needs improve their physical, sensory, and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.  We aim to enable each pupil to discover how much they can do for themselves and achieve their potential to access the curriculum and develop independent living skills.  This includes play or leisure activities, self-care skills, academic and vocational pursuits.  

UK Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and follows the standards of proficiency as set out by them.  The Royal College of Occupational Therapy (https://www.rcot.co.uk/) is the professional body who plays a valuable role in providing guidance and advice about good practice; and can provide further information about what the Occupational Therapy role involves for both children and adult services. 

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapists work with parents, pupils and schools to find solutions to minimise difficulties pupils face, helping them to get the most out of life. Together, possible solutions will be developed, such as exploring alternative ways of doing things and making changes to the environment to support participation.

 This includes all aspects of the pupil’s life including:

  • their motor skills, handwriting and perceptual skills impacting on academic skills
  • their sensory needs impacting on class participation, relationships with others and living life
  • self care skills (eating, drinking, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene) to become as independent as possible

Occupational Therapy within Whitefields aims to provide assessment & advice within the classroom with the aim to improve the pupil’s ability to participate in daily activities and maximise their potential ability to increase independence.  

Whitefields Occupational Therapy work alongside NHS Occupational Therapy and other health professionals, to follow a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach.