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Practice-based learning with children and young people

Guidance on school-based placements for OT learners can be part of the solution getting more OTs into schools

Practical resources to support high-quality practice-based learning

We’ve developed a range of practical resources to support high‑quality practice‑based learning in children’s occupational therapy. Whether you are a learner, a practice educator or an education provider, these tools are designed to support effective learning and teaching in placement settings.

As occupational therapy continues to grow across health, education and social care, learners need opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and experience required to work with children and young people.

Using these resources will help learners get the most from placement experiences and support the development of a confident and sustainable children’s occupational therapy workforce.

Guide to setting up and managing school-based placements for OT learners 

We've developed this guide to help services develop and deliver successful school-based placements for occupational therapy learners. School-based placements are an opportunity to expand placement capacity, whilst also helping the current recruitment crisis in children’s occupational therapy services by developing a future workforce ready to fill vital roles.

Access the guide

Building confidence in a school-based practice placement 

In this blog Mandy Gardiner – occupational therapy apprentice – reflects on her time on a school-based placement and the surprising professional skills she gained.

Read the blog here

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