At Aspire, classroom staff are given training in how to support pupil’s sensory needs, throughout the day in the classroom. 

Many of our staff are very experienced in recognising sensory needs and offering relevant supports.

However, when further support is needed, pupils can access support from the Aspire Sensory Team.  Sometimes, additional support from a Qualified Occupational Therapist is needed.

Occupational Therapy is about being able to do the things you want and have to do. 

Occupational Therapy is about working out a child’s strengths and also finding ways to work through their weaknesses.

Occupational Therapy does this by supporting the child to build on existing skills and find new ways of doing and by doing so improving their independence and wellbeing.

For Neuro-Diverse children, an Occupational Therapist’s main role is to understand, assess and target the child’s sensory processing differences. Every child will have a unique set of sensory needs and these needs will alter depending on mood, environment and intervention.  

We work with Simon Worthington, Consultant Occupational Therapist who visits the school regularly, and provides 3 levels of assessment and guidance for our pupils:

A: Whole classroom observations - with follow up strategies that can be implemented by classroom staff to support all pupils.

B:  Pupil specific classroom observation – Personalised informal assessment  with written advice for classroom staff to follow for an individual pupil. 

C:  Full OT assessment - with a written report, follow up strategies that can be implemented by classroom staff and strategies for home.

Parents are asked for consent  for OT assessment  at levels B and C.     Permission for sensory interventions, (including assessment option A)  is sought  from parents when pupils join the school .

Staff training, advice clinics and suggestions  around equipment are  also provided by Simon.

In addition to this, all pupils benefit from the Core Aspire Offer

This includes:

- a full sensory diet as required

-  sensory circuit sessions

-  brain breaks

- access to alternative spaces

- regular use of the Soft-Play Room

- regular use of the Immersive Room

- advice and support from the Aspire Sensory team, made up of teaching staff with a special interest in supporting sensory needs

- access to a referral to our Occupational Therapist for more specific support if indicated.

If you feel your child would benefit from  support around their sensory needs, or  developing their independence in  some activities of daily living, please speak to your class teacher, or  contact the Aspire Therapy Team.