Occupational Therapy (OT) School Observations
Information for Parents, Schools, and Referrers
What is an OT School Observation?
An Occupational Therapy school observation involves a therapist visiting the child in their natural learning environment to observe how they manage everyday tasks within the classroom and playground.
It allows the therapist to see how the child’s motor, sensory, and organisational skills affect participation, learning, and social interaction in real time.
This can be a key part of holistic assessment and intervention planning for children who may have:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD / Dyspraxia)
- Sensory processing differences
- Fine or gross motor skill difficulties
- Attention or regulation challenges
- Difficulties with handwriting, focus, or self-care tasks in school
Purpose of a School Observation
The main aims of a school observation are to:
- Understand how a child’s skills and challenges present in the classroom and playground.
- Identify environmental or task-related factors that may help or hinder participation.
- Assess functional skills such as handwriting, using tools, dressing for PE, organisation, and attention.
- Support collaboration between the therapist, teachers, and parents to ensure consistent support across settings.
- Provide practical recommendations that can be easily integrated into the school day.
School observations are especially useful when the child performs differently in clinic versus classroom settings, helping ensure that intervention plans are realistic and effective.
What Happens During a School Observation
During the observation, the occupational therapist will:
- Watch the child taking part in typical classroom activities (e.g. handwriting, group work, transitions, PE, or playtime).
- Make structured notes on the child’s motor control, posture, sensory regulation, attention, and organisation.
- Consider the impact of noise, seating, lighting, and classroom layout.
- Discuss initial impressions (where appropriate) with the teacher or SENCo.
- Later, prepare a written report summarising findings, strategies, and recommendations.
Outcome and Recommendations
After the observation, the therapist will provide:
- A detailed report outlining the child’s strengths and challenges.
- Practical strategies for the school (e.g. seating adjustments, movement breaks, sensory supports, task simplification).
- Home carryover ideas for parents, to promote consistency.
- Guidance on whether further assessment or OT therapy sessions would be beneficial.
How School Observations Help?
A school observation can:
- Improve understanding of the child’s everyday functional performance
- Strengthen communication between therapists, teachers, and parents
- Inform Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) applications or reviews, although observations are not designed to be EHCP-specific reports. If parents require a report to inform an EHCP or an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment, please contact the clinic to discuss appropriate options.
- Promote inclusive practices within the classroom
- Enhance the child’s confidence, comfort, and engagement at school