Occupational Therapy (OT) at Queensbury School
Supporting Independence, Engagement and Success
At Queensbury School, Occupational Therapy (OT) plays an exciting and essential role in our wider curriculum. Delivered by WMSLT, our OT service works in close partnership with school staff, families and external professionals to help every student thrive.
Occupational Therapy supports students with physical and sensory processing needs, enabling them to access learning, build confidence and develop lifelong independence skills. By working collaboratively across the school, our OT team helps shape environments, routines and learning opportunities that allow all students to engage meaningfully and reach their potential.
As part of this whole‑school approach, the OT team also provides a rich programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD), empowering staff with practical strategies that enhance support for students every day.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is all about helping children and young people take part in the activities that matter to them. These everyday activities—known as occupations—are central to learning, wellbeing and independence.
For our students, this might include:
- Getting dressed and managing personal care
- Eating and drinking
- Using equipment and tools
- Participating confidently in lessons and school life
Occupational Therapists focus on building the skills that allow students not just to manage, but to participate fully and proudly in their daily routines.
How Occupational Therapy Enriches Your Child’s Learning
When individual support is needed, parental consent is always sought. Following assessment, students may access 1:1 or small‑group OT sessions, guided by personalised therapy plans that reflect each child’s strengths, needs and aspirations.
Occupational Therapy targets are woven into meaningful, achievable goals across key areas:
Developing Independence Through Self‑Care
Occupational Therapy supports students to build independence in essential life skills such as:
- Personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Feeding and mealtimes
- Toileting
These skills rely on sensory processing, motor control, planning, motivation and sequencing. Our OT team supports students by:
- Strengthening underlying physical and sensory skills
- Introducing creative adaptations and alternative strategies
- Supporting sensory regulation
- Using visual tools to build understanding and confidence
Supporting Learning and Participation Across the School Day
Occupational Therapy is embedded within school life, supporting students with:
- Focus, attention and emotional regulation in the classroom
- Posture, seating and physical comfort
- Accessing classroom and specialist equipment
- Handwriting and fine motor development
- Participation in PE and physical activities
- Coordination, balance and movement skills
Our therapists take a whole‑child approach, considering not just skills but the learning environment, sensory demands, medical needs and any specialist equipment that may help students engage more independently.
Sensory Circuits – Preparing Minds and Bodies for Learning
For some students, movement and sensory input are key to readiness for learning. Sensory Circuits provide structured, purposeful activities that help students:
- Regulate their energy levels
- Improve focus and attention
- Feel calm, organised and ready to learn
The Occupational Therapy team at Queensbury School is continuing to develop this exciting provision as part of our targeted and specialist curriculum pathways, ensuring students have the right support at the right time.
At Queensbury School, Occupational Therapy is more than a service—it is a vital part of our curriculum, helping students build independence, confidence, and the skills they need for now and for the future.
