Schools Occupational Therapy Sensory Outreach Service

This unique local authority service was developed in 2022 to address a growing need within mainstream schools, supporting children with and without SEND where sensory processing differences impact on attendance, participation, learning, and engagement. Our service is free to all BCP Council mainstream schools and is rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and practical support.

Our specialist team of experienced, HCPC-registered occupational therapists work closely with school leaders, SENCOs, teachers, assistants, families, and wider education professionals to build a shared understanding of sensory processing and its impact in the classroom. Through a whole‑school, tiered approach, we provide training, group work and targeted 1:1 support to make sure that children with the highest needs can thrive in an environment that supports readiness for learning and participation in everyday school life.

About the team

Watch our video to get to know our team and the work we do. Resources will continue to be added over time, offering practical strategies, guidance, and ideas to support sensory‑friendly practice across your setting.

We value strong partnerships with our education colleagues and look forward to working with you to promote inclusive, supportive environments where all children can reach their potential.

You can also view and download our team offer and flowchart.

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OT Outreach team offer

PDF, 168.04 KB

OT Outreach team flowchart

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How to refer

To make a referral to the OT team login to the school referrals portal below.
For general queries and questions email us at schools.otsensoryoutreachteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Feedback from local schools

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Oakdale Juniors

“I really enjoyed this session and found it very useful.”

“Very good! Think it will be very helpful.”

“Follow up will be very useful - thank you. Starting packs are excellent - thank you.”

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St James’ Primary

“What a brilliant team!”

“The trainers were very engaging and helpful.”

“I'm going to use the mini circuit in my classroom.”

“Very helpful.”

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Hillbourne Primary

“Loved being able to try out circuit”

“Very good - thank you! :)”

“Loved Ethel. Very positive. Super fun. Really engaging.”

“Great deliverance - loved ethel/practical!”

“Ethels enthusiasm is infectious!”

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Avonbourne Girls and Boys Academy

“I'm already identifying students who would benefit.”

“Thank you, really interesting and I'm sure helpful for students.”

“Ethel was brilliant! Full of energy. All presenters very engaging.”

“Very organised and helpful.”

“Fantastic training.”

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Avonwood Primary

“Really useful to reflect on current practice and apply to children in my class/year group”

“Great to understand why and how to organise the circuits. Will possibly be able to reorganise children who need it.”

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The Epiphany School

“It has given me an idea of who will need/benefit from sensory circuits.”

A teacher following the training “We have started sensory circuits with two other children who wouldn't be able to access busy bees and this is really successful, so thank you!”

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