Provides Occupational Therapy assessment, intervention and advisory services for children from birth - 18 years old. The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) is to help children achieve or maintain their maximum level of independence and to develop practical life skills so that, irrespective of any special needs, they can participate to their full potential in the home, community or school environment. The service works in partnership with the child’s family and teachers and provides assessments in the following areas:
- Motor skills and co-ordination – for example throwing a ball, riding a bike, using PE equipment in school
- Self-care and functional skills such as feeding, dressing or toileting and the need for special seating
- Fine motor skills particularly in relation to functional tasks such as handwriting, using a knife or fork, use of scissors etc.
Occupational Therapists will assess and arrange for the provision of special equipment for school and home such as special seating for those with postural needs, and equipment needed for activities of daily living such as bath and toilet aids. Occupational Therapists also carry out developmental and neurological assessment for babies and young children.
Occupational Therapy focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to perform everyday activities and to participate in different environments. Occupational Therapy should result in increased functional skills which will improve quality of life, independence, self-esteem, learning and achievement for the child, young person and their family. Some children will be offered intervention in short blocks whereas others may need ongoing services over a longer period of time. Camden maintained primary schools have a named Occupational Therapist who provides ongoing support to the school through education and training programmes, implementing whole school working together with advice and consultation, as well as individual therapy when needed.
