Supporting SEND and Emotional Regulation with Occupational Therapy
- bMindful Psychology
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a vital role in helping children and young people thrive in education, particularly those with special educational needs (SEND), behavioural challenges, sensory sensitivities, or neurodivergent profiles. While not every child who struggles in school needs therapy, those who do are often missed, especially in mainstream classrooms, SEMH/SEND provisions, or EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) settings.
When Might a Child Need Occupational Therapy?
Many children show subtle but significant signs of difficulty with everyday functioning - and these signs often go unrecognised. Indicators that a child may benefit from school-based OT support include:
Ongoing difficulty attending school due to unmet needs or distress
Heightened sensitivity to sensory input such as noise, lighting, or certain clothing textures
Emotional exhaustion or meltdowns following the demands of the school day
Discomfort or reluctance with physically demanding tasks like handwriting or physical education
Challenges with executive functioning, including organisation, routines, and adapting to transitions
Expressions of distress through shutdowns, outbursts, or other behaviours
Experiences of intense anxiety or difficulties with emotional regulation
Navigating peer relationships and social interactions in unique or different ways
These aren’t just academic or behavioural concerns — they often reflect underlying occupational challenges that impact a child’s ability to engage and participate in daily life.
Why Occupational Therapy Matters in Education
Occupational Therapists take a whole-child approach, assessing how a student’s sensory, motor, emotional, and cognitive systems interact with their environment. They aim to improve function, participation, and well-being.
In schools, OTs help children to:
Improve concentration and manage mental or physical fatigue
Develop emotional regulation and reduce school-based anxiety
Increase independence in daily routines (e.g. toileting, transitions)
Strengthen executive functioning (planning, memory, organisation)
Build social confidence and peer connection
The goal of OT is to empower children to participate meaningfully in school and everyday life - not just to cope.
Backed by Research and Best Practice
According to the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and NICE Guidelines (PH12, PH20), children with functional challenges should have access to multi-disciplinary assessments, including Occupational Therapy, especially when early intervention and trauma-informed care are indicated.
Real-World Impact of OT in Schools
In EOTAS:
OTs identify sensory triggers (e.g. clothing discomfort or noise sensitivity)
Create tailored return-to-learning plans
Support families in adapting home learning environments
In SEMH Provisions:
Introduce sensory circuits and calming routines
Train staff in nervous system regulation
Help reduce behavioural incidents and support engagement
In Mainstream Settings:
Improve fine motor and handwriting skills
Create visual schedules and classroom adjustments
Collaborate with SENCOs to meet individual needs
The bMindful Psychology Approach
At bMindful Psychology, our Occupational Therapists:
Conduct holistic assessments across school, home, and community
Design creative, strengths-based interventions tailored to each child
Work with neurodivergent, trauma-affected, and high-needs learners
Partner with PRUs, mainstream schools, and alternative education settings
We help children not just function - but flourish.
5 OT Strategies That Support Emotional Regulation
Sensory Toolkits – Help children recognise and manage dysregulation using headphones, weighted items, and fidget tools.
Creative Co-Regulation – Use art, music, or play to calm the nervous system and build trust.
Routine-Based Tools – Embed regulation strategies into daily transitions using visual cues.
Environment-First Planning – Create calm zones and sensory-friendly spaces tailored to need.
Time-In Approach – Support emotional moments through connection, not exclusion.
Seeing the Whole Child
Where some see “bad behaviour,” Occupational Therapists see communication. OT helps decode what’s behind a child’s actions and provides the tools, insight, and support needed for genuine participation, connection, and success.
Looking for OT support in your school or setting?
Get in touch with the bMindful Psychology team today to explore how we can help your children thrive.