The (SEN OT) special education needs team
The SEN OT team supports children aged 5 and above with occupational therapy (OT) needs as stated in section F of their education, health and care (EHC) plan.
The team supports children and young people who are Hammersmith & Fulham residents attending a mainstream school.
The SEN OT team helps children access the curriculum by considering the child's sensory and physical needs, as well as looking at environmental or task adaptations. They also help with self-care tasks at school (for example changing for PE, toileting and eating with cutlery) with the aim of preparing them for adulthood.
SEN OT can also make recommendations for equipment use, for example specialist seating or hoists.
They also recommend therapeutic activities to schools to make sure the help is a normal part of the students' daily routines.
They keep track of how well things are going and suggest improvements if necessary, during a yearly review.
How to refer to SEN OT
To start working with SEN OT, contact the children and young people's occupational therapy (CYPOT) NHS team:
SENCOs can assist parents with a CYPOT referral.
If a child or young person has already received help from the CYPOT team and is now going to a mainstream school, if they have an EHC plan indicating occupational therapy needs, they will be transferred to the SEN OT team.
If the child or young person received help from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea SEN OT team, they can be referred directly to the H&F SEN OT team for continued assistance.
For children and young people attending a H&F mainstream school but living in a different borough, that council would be responsible for funding for the provision.
Occupational therapy resources
Strategies to support children and young people develop their independence with functional tasks and activities.
Occupational therapy resources
SEN OT contact details
For further advice email SENOTservice@lbhf.gov.uk