Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy offer for schools

Occupational Therapy

The universal offer to schools and how to access

  • Ask the OT (Occupational Therapist): monthly training session on Teams on a range of topics. Request training calendar by emailing SENDtherapies@southend.gov.uk
  • OT advice line: access on-the-spot advice for specific queries or general sign posting. 01702 372250 (available daily from 12:30pm to 2:30pm)
  • Sensory toolkit: an interactive document produced by highly specialist OTs in Essex. It has been created for professionals and parent carers whose children and young people are experiencing sensory differences that are affecting their wellbeing and function. Download the sensory awareness toolkit.
  • Regulation breaks package: highly specialist OT can visit your school for the day and provide up to 3 classroom audits and whole school training on supporting regulation effectively using cognitive and physical breaks. To request the regulation breaks package email SENDtherapies@southend.gov.uk
  • Effective sensory spaces: receive an audit of your current sensory spaces from a highly specialist OT and gain recommendations to maximise its potential, or if you are considering a new sensory space, access support to design something to meet your needs. To request the effective sensory spaces package email SENDtherapies@southend.gov.uk
  • Every school has a named OT who can advise on universal adaptations to environments and provide training on universal strategies. They will liaise with your school at least termly to meet with SENCO and discuss your schools needs. Please email epunft.childrensphysioandotreferrals@nhs.net for details of your named OT.

The targeted offer to schools and how to access

  • Sensory Q&A sessions supporting the use of the sensory toolkit, including how to write a plan; life skills workshops offering advice about managing personal care and functional skills workshops offering advice on handwriting, mark making, organisational skills and managing at mealtimes. Call 0344 257 3952 to book on.
  • Link OT will be able to offer advice and signposting to a range of targeted interventions and training. Please email epunft.childrensphysioandotreferrals@nhs.net for details of your named OT.
  • Posture care workshops: for those caring for children with physical disabilities. Provides essential information about the 24-hour approach for the protection of a person's body shape. To access, contact the support line on 01702 372250 or email lighthouse.otandphysio.enquiries@nhs.net

The specialist offer to schools and how to access

  • Referrals to OT should be made after discussion with your link OT. Specialist assessment and interventions will be provided as required, either in your school or clinic, depending on the nature of the needs of the individual. Complete the OT referral form to access.
  • Postural care pack for children with physical disabilities. Contact the school's named OT to access.
  • Specialist equipment will be recommended as required for individual needs after discussion with your link OT. Contact the school's named OT to access.