Our response to the schools White Paper

Commenting on the UK Government Department for Education’s Every child achieving and thriving white paper, Professional Advisor for Children and Young People at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Dr Sally Payne, said:  

‘The White Paper marks a step forward in recognising what occupational therapists have been saying for years: children thrive when they get the right support early, in the places they learn and live. The proposed reforms will go a long way to reducing families’ struggles, but they’ll only work if the workforce is there to deliver them. 

‘The White Paper recognises the importance of having occupational therapists in schools and across neighbourhood teams so children can get the right support at the right time. From providing support with handwriting to changing environments so they feel less overwhelming, occupational therapists are central to helping children participate, learn and achieve at school and at home.  

‘The test will be whether the funding, workforce planning and local delivery structures are enough to make these reforms a reality for children, families and schools. We’ll be looking closely at how these details develop in the coming months. If implemented well, these reforms could significantly reduce the fight families face just to get the basics of support in place. But for this to become real change, we need a workforce that is equipped and resourced to deliver on these ambitions. 

‘All children have a right to education and are more likely to succeed when they get the right support. If support is embedded in the education system from the start, there will be more capacity for occupational therapists and other specialists to support those children with more complex needs.’