You might have heard your child’s teacher mention occupational therapy… or you’ve noticed your child finding certain parts of school harder than expected.
Maybe it’s:
- Struggling to sit still or stay focused
- Avoiding writing or getting frustrated with schoolwork
- Finding playground time overwhelming
- Needing extra help with things like cutting, drawing, or organising their day
It can leave you wondering:
“Is this something they’ll grow out of… or do they need support?”
What is occupational therapy in schools?
Occupational therapy (OT) in schools is about helping children participate in everyday school life in a way that works for them.
Every child learns, moves, and experiences the classroom differently. OT supports children to:
- Feel more comfortable in their body
- Engage in learning tasks
- Build independence in daily school routines
- Join in with peers in a way that feels safe and manageable
Rather than focusing on what a child can’t do, OT looks at:
What’s getting in the way — and how we can support them to succeed.
If you’re wondering more broadly what OTs support, you can read more here What Do Occupational Therapists Help With
Signs your child might need extra support
Some children benefit from OT support at school when you notice things like:
- Writing feels hard
Your child avoids drawing or writing, tires quickly, or says their hand hurts - Sitting and focusing is tricky
They fidget, leave their seat often, or struggle to stay engaged - Playground or group time is overwhelming
They prefer to play alone, feel unsure in groups, or get easily upset - Following routines is difficult
Packing their bag, transitioning between tasks, or starting work feels hard - Big reactions to sensory experiences
Noise, movement, textures, or busy environments feel too much
These aren’t problems to “fix” — they’re signs your child may need more support in that environment.
When should you look into support?
You don’t need a diagnosis to explore occupational therapy.
If your child is:
- Finding parts of school consistently hard
- Losing confidence
- Getting frustrated or avoiding tasks
…it’s okay to look into support early.
Many parents are told to “wait and see,” but in reality:
early support can help school feel easier, sooner.
It’s not about labelling your child — it’s about helping them feel capable and included.
What does occupational therapy actually look like at school?
This is the part many parents don’t expect:
Occupational therapy often looks like play, movement, and small practical changes — not “sit down therapy.”
It’s:
- Play-based
- Child-led
- Built into real school tasks
- Individualised to your child
Example 1: Younger child (Prep / early primary)
Your child struggles to sit during mat time and avoids table work.
Instead of forcing them to “sit still,” the OT might:
- Add movement breaks between tasks
- Use games that build core strength and body awareness
- Introduce flexible seating, like a wobble cushion
- Turn learning into hands-on, playful activities
Over time, your child:
- Feels more regulated
- Stays engaged for longer
- Participates without stress
Example 2: Older child (Primary school)
Your child finds writing exhausting and avoids completing work.
The OT might:
- Adjust how tasks are presented, for example shorter chunks
- Introduce typing or alternative ways to show learning
- Work on hand strength and coordination through games
- Support planning and organisation strategies
Over time, your child:
- Builds confidence in their work
- Completes tasks more independently
- Feels less overwhelmed at school
Often, what looks like “just playing” is actually very intentional.
You can read more about that here Play Therapy Activities
Simple ways to support your child at home
You don’t need to recreate therapy at home — small changes can make a big difference.
1. Keep routines predictable
Clear, consistent routines help children feel safe and prepared.
2. Break tasks into small steps
Instead of “get ready for school,” try step-by-step support.
3. Add movement into the day
Jumping, climbing, or rough-and-tumble play can help with focus later.
4. Follow your child’s interests
Motivation builds confidence — use what they enjoy.
5. Focus on effort, not outcome
Celebrate trying, not just getting it “right”.
If your child finds it hard to follow routines or get started with tasks, structured activities can help build these skills over time. You can explore some simple ideas here Following Instructions Activities
If you’re wondering about next steps
Every child experiences school differently — and support can look different too.
If you’re wondering whether occupational therapy could help your child feel more confident and supported at school, you can learn more here Occupational Therapy for Children: A Parent Guide
Or if you’d prefer to talk it through, our team is always here to help you figure out the next step — at your pace.