Our ambitions for children’s occupational therapy
We want every child and young person to have access to the level and type of occupational therapy they need to realise their potential and take part in daily activities that matter to them – as soon as they need it.
To achieve this we need to:
Ensure every school has access
To occupational therapy knowledge and expertise.
Broaden our offer of universal and targeted support
To prevent children and young people’s needs from escalating, whilst offering individualised input for children with the most complex needs and circumstances. We also need to help others understand how offering different levels of support means we can provide the right service at the right time to meet individual needs.
Expand the OT workforce
To include all levels of practice, ensuring occupational therapy practitioners with the right skills are available to support children, young people and families now and in the future.
Include OTs in school-based mental-health support teams
Our practical approach can help young people understand and manage their own wellbeing, and complements talking and creative therapies which may not be suitable for young people who are disabled or neurodivergent.
Employ more OTs in CAMHs and young justice teams
To help children and young people develop healthy activities and routines – reducing the need for crisis support.
Employ OTs in neonatal and early intervention services
To give infants and families the best start in life.
Work in integrated health, education and care systems
With clearly defined pathways so OT resources are used efficiently and sustainably to meet the unique needs of children, young people and families.
Share our knowledge and expertise
With the wider children’s workforce, helping them to embed strategies that support children and young people’s physical, sensory and cognitive development into their environments and routines.
Streamline equipment and adaptation services
So children and young people receive help quickly, so their home, school/college and community environments are safe and suitable for their needs.
Build the evidence-base for OT interventions with children and young people