Physical Therapies

Physiotherapy
The physiotherapy team at Beatrice Tate School see any children who are already in receipt of Tower Hamlets physiotherapy input before they join the school. New referrals to the physiotherapy team can be made by your GP, consultant, other therapists or school staff. All referrals need to go via the Single Point of Access system at Mile End Hospital.

What does the physiotherapist do in school?

  • If your child is known to the physiotherapy team then the physiotherapist can see them in school for their assessments and provide the teaching staff with training to carry out their personalised exercise programmes.
  • If your child uses a standing frame or specialist walker the physiotherapist will set-up this equipment to ensure that your child gets the most benefit from it in school and at home.
  • Twice a month there is a physiotherapist/orthotist led orthotics clinic where we see any children who need their foot splints and gaiters reviewed or adjusted.
  • In the school holidays your physiotherapist may come to your house to review any equipment you have at home, such as a sleep system or standing frame, or to teach you how to support your child with their exercise programme.

Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapy team at Beatrice Tate School aims to work with parents, carers, and school staff to support children to develop their functional skills. We believe that children can maintain or improve their physical and mental health by participating in meaningful activities such as self-care, domestic tasks, leisure and school-based learning.

To facilitate this, occupational therapists will assess and offer advice, support, practical strategies, and in some cases equipment to promote children’s participation and development of functional skills for everyday living.

In addition the children’s occupational therapy service offers:

  1. Twice yearly splinting clinics for the management of upper limb problems.
  2. Parent workshops to promote the participation of children in family life.
  3. Support for children and their families to prepare for the transition to adult services.

Occupational therapists work collaboratively with other therapists, school staff, and health and social care professionals to advocate for children, and wherever possible establish joint therapy goals.