Why children and young people are a priority for RCOT

Children and young people represent a third of the UK population.  11% have some form of disability, and the number of young people with special educational needs is increasing year on year.  

Health and care inequalities are widening, and health, education and social outcomes are worsening for children and young people in the UK – especially for those living in deprived areas.  

Occupational therapists have the skills and expertise to help children and young people realise their potential and take part in the activities they need and want to do. 

Timely involvement also has economic benefits by affecting people’s use of health, education and care services – as children and adults.  

But demand for occupational therapy is growing and waiting lists for children and young people’s health and care services are among the highest in the system.  

Occupational therapists are working hard to deliver the support children, young people and families need, but unprecedented service pressures and limited opportunities for practice development are affecting staff recruitment, retention and morale.   

That’s why children and young people are a priority practice area for RCOT.  

So...how are we approaching this? 

As part of our Workforce Strategy we have set ourselves some clear objectives to better support OTs and, in turn, the children and young people they work with.