At Liverpool Occupational Therapy Services, we believe that every child has the potential to thrive when given the right tools and environment.
In school, children are learning so much more than what’s on the curriculum – they’re developing confidence, resilience, motor skills, friendships, and independence.
But learning doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some children need a little extra support to feel settled in the classroom, to build the skills that come naturally to others, or to find new ways of expressing themselves and engaging with the world. That’s where Occupational Therapy can make a real difference, quietly and positively, in everyday school life.
Whether you’re a Headteacher planning ahead for 2026, or a parent hoping that your child gets the support they need next term, now is a great time to learn how Occupational Therapy can help children thrive.
What does Occupational Therapy look like in a school setting?
Occupational Therapy in schools is about supporting children to do the things that they need to and want to do each day. We work with schools to enhance their universal provision, making the environment and activities offered more inclusive and supportive of the students’ needs as a whole. We also offer practical and strengths-based support that aims to build confidence and develop independence within the school environment for children who need more targeted or specialist OT input.
Here are just a few ways we work in schools:
✏️ Handwriting and fine motor skill support< to help children feel more capable and confident in class
🧠 Tools for focus and attention, helping pupils stay engaged and ready to learn
>🤲 Sensory strategies to help children feel calm, regulated, and in control
😊 Emotional resilience and social skills to support friendships and reduce overwhelm
👟 Physical development support – like balance, posture, and coordination
🧑🏫 Staff training / teacher upskilling – on topics such as recognising and supporting sensory needs, developing fine motor skills, supporting regulation and more.
We work side-by-side with teachers, SENCOs, and support staff to embed our strategies into the rhythm of the school day, so it feels natural, achievable, and long-lasting.
Why schools choose a Service Level Agreement
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) gives schools regular, dependable input from our Occupational Therapists throughout the duration of the contract.. It’s about building strong, consistent relationships and making sustainable progress within the school as a whole and for the children who need it most.
Each SLA is tailored to your school’s unique needs, and can include a combination of assessments, modelling, direct support, environmental audits, strategy sharing, and staff training.
Our team is passionate about helping children to grow, thrive, and enjoy their time in school and we’d love to work with you to make that happen.
If you’re a Headteacher or SENCO in Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens or the surrounding areas looking for support for your pupils, our expert team of Occupational Therapists are here to help.