Skip to content
YouTube
Physical and Sensory
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into responses.. It involves the use of our senses including visual, auditory, smell, taste, touch, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (movement).

Physical and Sensory

The Occupational therapy service work with children who have difficulties which can prevent access to the learning environment. Occupational Therapy support the development of functional skills including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visual perception and self-care.

  • Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscle movements within the hands and fingers. In the classroom this would include, handwriting, using of scissors or tools and self-care.
  • Gross motor skills involve the movement and coordination of the arms and legs which are needed for participation in PE and play.
  •  Visual perception refers to the brain’s ability to make sense of what the eyes see.
  • Self-care refers to activities of daily living such as dressing ourselves, feeding, drinking and toileting. Some children need support to develop their independence with these skills.

Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into responses.. It involves the use of our senses including visual, auditory, smell, taste, touch, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (movement).


How do we support this?

At Nine Mile Ride we adopt the following strategies and interventions to provide challenge and additional opportunity for our pupils with physical and sensory needs:

High Quality Teaching:

The pupils needs can be met in the classroom through every day high quality teaching which can include adaptations to the classroom environment. Teachers will consider seating and positioning,

Targeted / Individualised Support:

Cutting Skills

Fine Motor Skills

Sensory Circuits

Speed Up!
A kinaesthetic programme to develop fluent writing.

Stay Write, Stay Right

Write from the start


What can you do at home?

If you think your child might need help with their physical skills at home you can support them in the following ways:

  • Playing a variety of games that require co-ordination, balance, and ball skills  e.g. catching and throwing, target practice, obstacle courses and swimming.
  • Encouraging your child to be physically active and engage in sports outside of school.
  • Playing with small toys and objects that can manipulate e.g. shape posting box, using scissors for arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, playdough.

Further sensory or physical advice can be sought from the Occupational Therapist according to your child’s needs.


Useful links