The Role of Occupational Therapy in Inclusive Education in Malta
By Ema Bartolo ·
As an Occupational Therapist in Malta, I am passionate about inclusive education — the principle that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the right to learn alongside their peers in a mainstream school setting. Malta has made significant strides in inclusive education, but inclusion is not just about being in the same room. It is about meaningful participation. That is where occupational therapy comes in.
What Is Inclusive Education?
Malta’s education system is committed to inclusion. The statementing process identifies children who need additional support, and Learning Support Educators (LSEs) are assigned to help individual children access the curriculum. However, true inclusion goes beyond providing a support person — it means adapting the environment, curriculum delivery, and expectations so that each child participates fully.
How OT Supports Inclusive Education
Occupational therapists bring a unique perspective to inclusive education. We focus not just on what the child needs to learn, but on the skills and conditions they need in order to learn.
Classroom Environment Assessment
OTs assess the physical and sensory classroom environment and make modifications:
- Seating and positioning: Ensuring appropriate seating that supports posture and attention through wobble cushions, adapted chairs, or standing desks
- Sensory modifications: Reducing visual clutter, managing noise levels, creating quiet zones, and adjusting lighting
- Accessibility: Ensuring the child can physically access all school areas — classrooms, toilets, playground, and specialized rooms
Supporting Handwriting and Academic Access
Many children with additional needs struggle with the motor demands of school work. OTs can:
- Assess handwriting difficulties and recommend interventions or accommodations
- Recommend assistive technology like keyboards, tablets, or speech-to-text software for children whose handwriting limits academic output
- Provide adapted materials such as pencil grips, slant boards, and lined paper guides
Social Participation
Inclusion means participating in the social life of the school, not just academics. OTs help by:
- Developing playground strategies to help children build motor and social skills needed for break-time play
- Supporting lunchtime independence by working on self-feeding skills
- Building self-care independence in toileting, dressing for PE, and managing personal belongings
Training and Consultation
OTs play an important role in educating school staff:
- LSE training: Providing Learning Support Educators with specific strategies to support the child throughout the school day
- Teacher consultation: Helping teachers understand how a child’s difficulties affect learning and what adaptations can help
- Whole-school training: Running workshops on sensory processing, motor development, or self-regulation
The Statementing Process in Malta
OT reports play an important role in Malta’s statementing process. A thorough assessment can:
- Provide evidence of the child’s functional needs in the school environment
- Recommend specific accommodations that should be included in the child’s statement
- Support applications for additional resources, equipment, or support hours
Collaboration Is Key
Effective inclusion requires a team approach. The child, parents, teachers, LSEs, therapists, and school administration all need to work together. OTs serve as a bridge between the child’s therapeutic needs and the school’s educational framework, ensuring strategies are practical, sustainable, and effective.
At WonderKids, we are committed to supporting inclusive education in Malta. Contact us on +356 77048650 or at info@wonderkids.mt.