SEND Therapies Team (Speech and Language and Occupational Therapies)

Speech and language therapists (SaLTs) provide life-improving treatment, support and care for children who have difficulties with communication.

SaLTs assess and treat speech, language, and communication problems to help children communicate better.

Using specialist skills, SLTs work directly with children and those who work and live with them providing them with tailored support. They work closely with teachers and other health/education professionals, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists to develop individual treatment programmes.

Useful links;

https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/

https://www.rcslt.org/

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children live their best life at home, at school – and everywhere else.

What does an occupational therapist do?

An occupational therapist helps people of all ages overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities – what we call ‘occupations’. When working with children, this will be all tasks from support with reaching milestones, improving their ability to play or dress and feed themselves.

Occupational therapists see beyond diagnoses and limitations to hopes and aspirations. They look at relationships between the activities a child does every day – their occupations – alongside the challenges they face and their environment.

Then, they create a plan of goals and adjustments targeted at achieving a specific set of activities. The plan is practical, realistic and personal each child as an individual, to help them achieve the breakthroughs they need to elevate their everyday life.

Who do occupational therapists work with?

Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages who have a wide range of conditions.

Most commonly, they help those living with mental health conditions, or physical or learning disabilities. And you’ll find them helping people live their best life in health organisations, social care services, housing, education and voluntary organisations.

Useful links;

https://www.rcot.co.uk/

Video Resources:

What is Paediatric OT:

• What is Paediatric OT? You Tube Video

Downloads:

• Activities of Daily Living
• Teaching Self Help Skills

Sensory Processing: 

• Importance of Sensory Integration - YouTube

Downloads: 

• please see downloads section on this page.

Sensory Circuits:

• _{What are sensory circuits? - You Tube Video}

• Examples of sensory circuits in a school hall - You Tube Video

• Sensory Calming strategies - You Tube Video

Downloads: 

• Interoception Resource
• Sensory Circuits

Fine Motor Skills:

• Fine Motor Skills - Gross Motor Skills vs. Fine Motor Skills what is the difference - You Tube Video
• Fine Motor Activities- You Tube Video
• Theraputty Activities - You Tube Video
• Finger Aerobics - You Tube Video

Downloads:

• Bilateral Coordination
• Fine Motor Handwriting

Gross Motor Skills:

• Gross Motor Activity Examples - You Tube Video

Zones of Regulation:

• What are the zones - You Tube Video

If your child has an Education Health and Care Plan which states that they require SALT or OT we will be working with your child in school. 

Please contact the SEND Therapies Team via email if you have any queries.

What is the process if my child has needs which require SALT/OT?

If your child does not qualify for an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment;

1. Speak to the SENCO at your child’s school
2. Refer to NELFT SALT/OT services for an assessment

If your child DOES qualify for an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment;

1. A referral will be made to NELFT SALT/OT
2. The NELFT therapist will write a report recommending a specific amount of SALT/OT
3. When the EHCP has been finalised and issued it will be passed to the Redbridge Therapies Team
4. The therapies team will contact school to arrange a first session
5. The therapist allocated to your child will be in touch after their first session to give you a short summary of the session, and to provide you with a copy of the programme when required.

Where will my child be seen?

Your child will be seen by therapists in their education setting.

What will a therapy session involve?

The therapist will review how your child is progressing towards the outcomes in their EHCP.  They will work directly with your child to review progress and liaise with professionals at school to discuss your child’s progress.

What is a programme?

A programme is designed by therapist to provide strategies and activities to support parents and school staff to work with a child.  It will be designed to help a child work towards the outcomes in their EHCP.  If a child requires a programme it will be reviewed by therapists at regular intervals, but if you ever need more support with the programme don’t hesitate to get in touch.

My child’s EHCP talks about direct and indirect hours.  What does this mean?

Direct sessions are ones which involve your child being physically present.  This might involve playing games, doing therapy activities and reviewing targets.

Indirect sessions are ones which don’t involve your child being physically present.  This could involve admin tasks such as reports and case notes, liaison with parents/teachers, staff training or attending meetings. 

Both are really important elements of SALT/OT.

What is an annual review?

An annual review is an opportunity for your child and all those who work/live with them to review the progress they have made over the year and set new targets for the year ahead.  The amount of support recommended for the year ahead will also be discussed. 

How will I be involved?

Parents will be sent copies of any SALT and OT programmes provided, and they will be sent short summaries after direct sessions.  They are also very welcome to contact us at any time.

Do LBR Occupational Therapists use Sensory Integration Therapy?

Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a tool used by some occupational therapists to address a person’s sensory needs. SIT aims to change a person’s sensory processing through direct, intensive therapeutic input and is delivered by occupational therapists who have undertaken certified postgraduate training. The research evidence is inconclusive regarding the impact of SIT on daily life activities.

There continues to be much debate and controversy regarding Ayres sensory integration Therapy. Evidence for SIT remains largely anecdotal in nature and there remains little conclusive scientific evidence to support the use of SIT in the general population.

Therefore, in line with the strongest evidence base currently available, and guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, we do not provide Ayres sensory integration.

Key contacts

Send.therapies@redbridge.gov.uk

020 8708 2145