Occupational Therapy Supporting SEN Students
Helps us to do the things we need to do in our everyday life
Connect Specialist Therapy is an Independent Occupational Therapy Service specialising in Sensory Integration Therapy to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
At Connect Specialist Therapy, we are passionate about improving the lives of children who face challenges in completing everyday activities such as play, school participation, and daily living tasks like dressing, feeding, and personal care. Our goal is to empower children to thrive in their environments, whether at home, school or in the community.
Our work with schools is centred on creating meaningful and sustainable change. By enhancing staff confidence and knowledge, designing sensory-friendly environments, and providing targeted support for students, we aim to empower SEN children to engage and succeed in their daily lives.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy, our core specialisation, plays a vital role in helping children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) process sensory information effectively, which is crucial for their success at school. This therapy supports a range of school-related skills, from movement activities to personal care tasks. It also encourages imaginative play, social interaction, and helps with concentration, handwriting, and the ability to sit still during lessons.
Sensory Integration Therapy is especially beneficial for children who respond differently to sensory stimuli, whether they are overly sensitive to sounds, touch, or other environmental inputs, or actively seek sensory stimulation through behaviours like spinning, tip-toe walking, or chewing non-edible items. By addressing these sensory challenges, the therapy enables children to engage more fully with their school environment and thrive in both academic and social activities.
Working With Schools
Connect Specialist Therapy works closely with schools to create inclusive and supportive environments for students with sensory processing challenges. Our services include staff upskilling, where we deliver workshops designed to educate all school staff on sensory processing theory, practical classroom strategies, and how these impact daily school life.
For more targeted interventions, we train a core group of staff, often referred to as ‘Sensory Champions.’ These individuals learn about implementing sensory circuits, managing sensory diets, and using strategies like interoception and zones of regulation to benefit students.
In addition to staff training, we carry out sensory learning walks, which involve an environmental audit of the school. This allows us to identify strengths within the school’s current setup and recommend modifications to create sensory-friendly spaces that support students with varying sensory needs.
Working With Students
For students, we provide direct support through consultation assessments that identify sensory processing difficulties and how they affect participation in school activities. Recommendations are then made to address these challenges, ensuring that students are equipped to access the curriculum to the best of their ability. Teachers and teaching assistants are invited to participate in these sessions, which allows us to share expertise, embed sensory approaches throughout the school day, and ensure sensory diets are consistently implemented.
Our Therapists
Our therapists are highly qualified and experienced in supporting children with SEN. They hold a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and Post-Graduate Certificates in Ayres Sensory Integration. They are also certified Level 1 Sensory Attachment Intervention Practitioners and have undertaken extensive training in areas such as EcoSensory Therapy, the Interoception Curriculum, Intensive Interaction, SCERTS, and feeding difficulties related to sensory issues.
All therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT), and other relevant professional bodies. They are fully insured and compliant with GDPR 2018.
Service Packages
Our comprehensive service package includes direct support within the school environment, resource development, travel time, and supervision for therapists. While equipment costs are not included and must be sourced by the school, we provide clear recommendations and guidance. Additional work outside the specified service package can be quoted and arranged separately.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking to create a supportive environment for SEN students, Connect Specialist Therapy is here to help. Our team is dedicated to making a lasting impact by equipping schools with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to support every child. Get in touch today to discuss how we can collaborate to meet the unique needs of your school community.
Empowering SEN students through sensory integration – because every child deserves the chance to succeed.