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Enabling participation
The occupational therapy service for children and young people provides assessment, direct therapy and an advisory service to children from birth until they leave school or college.
We work in partnership with the child or young person’s family, their teachers and other relevant school professionals, providing assessments and interventions in the following areas:
- Participation in productive school activities in relation to functional tasks such as using tools and materials in the classroom for different lessons, including writing tools and scissors, access to a computer and other technology equipment.
- Self-care and functional skills. For example, feeding, dressing, toileting, general hygiene tasks and participation in other school routines.
- Participation in leisure and play activities. For example, taking part in sports and games, using playground equipment, developing a range of play skills and riding a bike.
Additionally, the service can assess and arrange for the provision of specialist equipment for school, such as special seating for those with postural needs and equipment needed for daily activities. This could include adapted cutlery, scissors or pens, digital technology to compensate for handwriting difficulties, and equipment to assist with mobility and transfers (for example, hoists).
Enhancing ability
As occupational therapy focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to perform everyday activities and to participate in different environments, occupational therapy should result in increased functional skills which will improve quality of life, independence, self-esteem, learning and achievement for the child/young person and their family.
Camden primary schools have a linked occupational therapists who provides ongoing support to the school through education and training programmes, implementing whole school working, together with advice and consultation, as well as individual therapy when needed.
Group sessions
Occupational therapy groups are run during the school holidays. There are different themes and content for each group. Your occupational therapist will select the group that best fits the needs of your child.
A referral to the groups can be obtained from the allocated occupational therapist and discussed with school staff and parents. Parents/carers are required to attend and observe the sessions that are led by the therapists so the strategies can be practised and implemented at home.
There are approximately three to four children per group, so individualised attention and strategies can be provided during the sessions.
