Occupational Therapy at LGS

Occupational Therapy in school is about enabling young people to do the things they need and want to do - whether that’s accessing learning, participating in daily routines, or developing life skills.

At Laleham Gap School, Occupational Therapy is delivered by the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) Children’s Therapies Service, under a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA). Our occupational therapists work collaboratively with pupils, families, teaching staff, and other professionals to support engagement and participation in school life.

A Tiered Approach to Support

We use a tiered model to ensure every pupil receives the right level of support at the right time:

1. Universal Support

• Staff training

• Drop-in clinics

• Classroom audits

2. Targeted Support

• Advice on adaptive equipment

• Troubleshooting specific environments

• Small group sessions

3. Specialist Support

• One-to-one sessions focused on personal goals

• Development of daily living skills

Our main therapeutic intervention for individual and group work is the CO-OP Approach (Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance). This coaching-based method helps pupils develop strategies to improve performance in tasks they choose—such as:

• Shooting a basketball

• Tying shoelaces or a tie

• Sharpening pencils

• Putting on socks

🚫 What We Don’t Provide

Please note: Sensory Integration Therapy is not provided as part of our school-based Occupational Therapy service.

📋 Referrals & Resources

Referrals can be made by the school for pupils who meet the criteria for the core Occupational Therapy service. More information is available on the KCHFT Children’s Therapies website.

Useful Resources

KCHFT Children’s Therapies has a resources website with some links to some useful videos such as:

• Sensory Processing Pathway

• Learning New Skills

• Handwriting Support

You can also visit the Royal College of Occupational Therapists for professional guidance and further reading.