School Observations

An Occupational Therapy school observation involves a therapist visiting your child in their natural learning environment. It lets us see how their motor, sensory, and organisational skills affect participation, learning, and social interaction in real time.

Arrange an Observation From £390

Who Benefits From a School Observation?

A school observation 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

When School Observations Matter Most

School observations are especially useful when the child performs differently in clinic versus classroom settings, helping ensure that intervention plans are realistic, grounded in the real environment, and effective.

The Process

What happens during an observation

During the Visit

During the observation, our occupational therapist will:

Watch the child taking part in typical classroom activities — 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

Outcome & Recommendations

After the observation, the therapist will provide:

A detailed report outlining the child's strengths and challenges
Practical strategies for the school — 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 Observations Help

Improve understanding of the child's everyday functional performance
Strengthen communication between therapists, teachers, and parents
Inform EHCP applications or reviews
Promote inclusive practices within the classroom
Enhance the child's confidence, comfort, and engagement at school

Important Note on EHCPs

Observations are not designed to be EHCP-specific reports. If you require a report to inform an EHCP or an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment, please contact the clinic to discuss appropriate options.