As Occupational Therapists we work with children and young people who have difficulties with the practical skills they need to take part in and enjoy everyday life. Many children can take longer to learn new skills and find certain day to day activities difficult to master. Often all that these children need is regular practise in a familiar environment, where tasks can be broken down into simple stages allowing them to learn through repetition and a consistent approach.

The information in this resource is designed to be used by teachers and teaching assistants working in mainstream schools, to support children who are having difficulties with one or two specific functional skills at school. These children may not meet the criteria for Occupational Therapy services, but still need some support to help develop their skills.

The Children's Occupational Therapy Resource contains worksheets which are devised to provide primary school teaching staff with useful strategies to address the most common functional difficulties, such as; handwriting development, using scissors or cutlery, dressing (changing for PE, managing buttons).

Research shows that children tend to make more progress when they carry out activities within their usual routine, and for a short time daily rather than one longer session per week. Carrying out regular practise with the child will also help you to see the progress that they are making.

When to refer directly to Occupational Therapy

  • Children with a physical disability, such as; cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, who are struggling with day to day skills at school
  • Children who are struggling with three or more daily living skills, and whose difficulties are not in line with their overall developmental needs
  • We do not accept referrals for children whose primary needs are related to social-emotional, mental health difficulties

If you have any queries about referring to the Occupational Therapy service please contact us to discuss.