How we help
How We Help: Our Tiered Approach
We use a flexible “tiered” approach to make sure every child gets the right support at the right time. This means we offer different levels of help, from general advice for all to specialised support for a few.
Also in this section
Tier 1: Universal Support (Good for All Children)
This is about providing information, resources, and strategies that benefit all children to promote healthy development and prevent common challenges.
How OT Fits In:
- Workshops & Resources: We offer free online workshops or resources for parents, carers, and school staff
- Advice & Awareness: We share practical tips that can be easily used at home or in the classroom
- Early Intervention: Providing information early on can help parents and educators spot potential areas where a child might need a little extra support
- Reassurance: We often find that parents and carers lack confidence in their skills but are already using the right strategies
Think of it like general health advice for everyone, such as recommending healthy eating and exercise to grow strong.
Tier 2: Targeted Support (For Some Children)
This level is for children who are starting to show some difficulties and need a bit more focused attention. The aim is to prevent small challenges from becoming bigger problems.
How Occupational Therapy Fits In:
- Small Groups/Focused Workshops: We might offer small, more focused group sessions on specific skills, e.g., our ‘Regulate to Participate’ sensory group
- Consultation & Advice: An Occupational Therapist might provide specific advice directly to parents or school staff after a telephone consultation
- Specific Resources: Providing more tailored activity plans or specific equipment suggestions to address a particular challenge
If a child needs a bit of extra help with reading, they might join a small reading group at school rather than getting one-on-one tutoring right away.
Tier 3: Specialist Support (Essential for a Few Children)
This is the most intensive support for children with significant, complex, or long-term difficulties that are having a major impact on their daily life.
How Occupational Therapy Fits In:
- Individual Assessment & Intervention: A full assessment will be carried out by an Occupational Therapist, and a personalised plan will be developed
- Specialized Equipment: Recommending and providing highly specialised equipment or adaptations to their home or school environment
- Close Collaboration: Working closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a joined-up approach
If a child has a very specific learning difficulty, they might need dedicated one-on-one sessions with a specialist teacher and a personalised learning plan.
