What supervision do I need as a school-based OT?

As a school-based occupational therapist, like in any other role, you must engage in professional supervision. Many OTs are employed or contracted directly by the school. If you are employed directly and the school is your ‘employer ’, you can ask to include professional supervision in your contract, stating that the employer will pay for it. If you are a contractor, some schools may be happy to pay for your supervision, but others may ask you to provide evidence that you are engaging in professional supervision yet not pay for it. The type of supervision depends on what suits both your professional and organisational needs.

How do I explain to my school employer WHY I need occupational therapy supervision?

As an occupational therapist, you are required by HCPC and RCOT to engage in professional supervision. In the recent ‘Informed View - Supervision’ by the RCOT July 2026, it outlines key documents that can support your request; download this document and share it with your employer.

The document also covers topics around supervision such as the benefits of and good practice in supervision. Awareness of equity, diversity and belonging in supervision. It sets out the RCOTs’ expectations of individuals, supervisors, employers and organisations.

It is a comprehensive, informed view, which I and some other supervisors consulted on. It does not state how often you should be having supervision, but I will continue to have those conversations with the RCOT and encourage this to remain on their agenda for comment in the future.

What type of supervision is best for school based occupational therapists?

There is no one ‘best’ type of supervision to engage with, it depends on your own professional and personal development. You may choose to engage in 1:1 sessions or group supervision, some therapist like a combination of both.

It also depends on your own experience level or the current challenges in your role.

If you are the only occupational therapist in the school and a newly qualified, an early career therapist or have just changed your speciality.  I would suggest starting with 1:1 support, so that your sessions can be focused solely on you and tailored to your specific needs and your organisational context.

If you are an experienced school-based OT and looking for connection with other school-based OTs and a professional sounding board, then perhaps group supervision will meet your needs.

It is always best to explore your options and find the supervision delivery that meets your specific needs.

When should I have occupational therapy supervision?

The frequency of supervision sessions varies, again depending on your own professional and personal needs. I would recommend fortnightly for newly qualified or early career therapists and then monthly for established therapist. However, any changes in your role or the service may require your frequency to also change. There are times you may benefit from a higher frequency of support. Some therapists who are engaging in combinations of different types of supervision may have 1:1 and group on alternative sessions/months. The important thing is ensuring it is meeting your current needs and development.

The frequency of supervision is also important in supporting your own wellbeing needs. When the gap is too long, it is harder to develop the safe supervisory relationship that can also support and reflect your own wellbeing needs.

Who can provide supervision for school-based occupational therapists?

There may be an experienced occupational therapist in your school setting or school group that can provide supervision for you. If not, look for an external supervisor and arrange to have a call with them. This way you can ask them questions about their own experiences, supervision approaches and see if you are a good match. There are many OTs providing external supervision, you may wish someone to visit your school, or you may be happy with online, external support. Speak to a couple of supervisors, to find the best fit for you. I provide both 1:1 and group supervision, so check out my services too.

Following this, if your school is funding your supervision. You will need agreement from the school to fund the session frequency and cost as set out by your supervisor.

I am always happy to chat with you about your supervision needs. Feel free to book a cuppa and chat call with me and let’s see if I am a good match for you.

Written by Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw OT Supervisor, Independent Occupational Therapist