How occupational therapy reports can support EHCP requests and annual reviews

For EHCP requests and annual reviews, the most useful OT reports do more than say a child has needs. They explain how those needs affect day-to-day participation in education and what support is required.

That means linking assessment findings to functional impact. For example, a report may describe how sensory processing differences affect attention and regulation in class, or how motor planning difficulties affect dressing for PE, handwriting, and independence around the school day.

What decision-makers need to see

Useful evidence is specific, practical, and linked to provision. It should describe the child’s current difficulties, how those difficulties show up in real settings, and what type of occupational therapy input or environmental support is needed.

This makes it easier for families, schools, and local authorities to understand the case for support and to plan provision that is realistic and meaningful.

Why wording matters

Strong OT evidence is clear and jargon-light. It should help everyone involved understand the child’s profile, not leave families trying to translate professional language on their own.

When reports are written with both functional detail and practical recommendations, they become far more useful for planning, reviews, and next-step conversations.