School closures have caused massive disruption to the lives of children and families during the COVID-19 crisis. At some point however, children will experience another big change when schools reopen. Anxieties about returning to school are understandably high, especially for families of children with additional needs and disabilities who find change difficult to handle. But there are things that occupational therapists can do now to help teachers and families gain some sense of control over the uncertain situation.
Personal factors
Occupational therapists’ understanding of physical and mental health positions us well to identify the support and adjustments that each child will need for a smooth return to school. Taking a personalised approach is crucial. Every young person has their own set of strengths and needs, and each will have experienced lockdown differently. Some children will have faced sudden and traumatic changes, such as the loss of someone close to them. Some will have flourished with a more flexible approach to learning. Others will have struggled without the structure and routine that school usually provides.
These factors will affect how children and families feel about returning to school, and the support they will need to recover lost skills or to manage feelings of anxiety, separation and loss. Occupational therapists can help families to decide what they want to tell teachers about their experience of lockdown and support teachers to develop a return to school and recovery plan that meets a child’s individual needs.
Changes to the school environment
We know that the school environment will be different when schools reopen. As soon as we have more details, occupational therapists can help families prepare children for how their school will look. Familiarity is reassuring, so we should start by identifying the things that will be the same. The child may use the same desk for example, but it may be in a different place.
Photos or videos will help children prepare for these changes, and social stories can help children understand what is different and why. Some changes may be positive for a child: fewer desks will make it easier to move around the classroom for example, while fewer children could make for a quieter school environment.
Changes to routines and activities
Activities and routines will also be different when schools reopen. Some activities that a child enjoys may not be allowed, such as swimming, and there may be new or different rules about moving around school and lining up. Personal care activities such as toileting and eating and drinking may have to be provided differently. Occupational therapists have the skills and expertise to identify adjustments that will ensure the safety and dignity of young people and will support staff. They can also help teachers and families to consider how changes to routines and activities will affect each child and can provide support to ensure children understand how their day will be different and why.
There are still many uncertainties about how and when schools will reopen. However, occupational therapists can help teachers and families to gain a sense of control now, by starting to prepare a young person for their return to school.