Definition
A sensory diet is a planned, individualised programme of sensory activities scheduled across the day to help a child stay regulated. The term was coined by occupational therapist Patricia Wilbarger in the 1980s and is delivered by paediatric OTs with sensory integration training.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- A planned, individualised programme of sensory activities scheduled across the day to keep a child regulated.
- The term was coined by occupational therapist Patricia Wilbarger in the 1980s.
- Designed by a paediatric OT based on the Sensory Profile-2 and the child's specific dysregulation pattern.
- Targets specific sensory systems (proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral, auditory, visual) at planned times.
- In Section F, specify by reference to the OT's written programme (named, dated, attached), not generic "access to sensory equipment".
A sensory diet is not a piece of paper handed to a teacher with a list of fidget tools. It is a planned schedule of activities targeting specific sensory systems (proprioceptive (heavy work), vestibular (movement), tactile (touch), oral, auditory, visual) delivered at planned times across the day, with the goal of keeping the child's regulation in their "just right" zone. The OT designs the programme based on the Sensory Profile-2 and the child's specific dysregulation pattern.
A typical school-day sensory diet for a Year 2 child with sensory-seeking proprioceptive needs might include: 5 minutes of heavy work before school start (chair push-ups, carrying books); a movement break between numeracy and literacy; access to a weighted lap pad during carpet time; resistance band on the chair leg; oral input options at break (chewy snacks, water bottle); deep pressure activity before assembly; vestibular break between morning and afternoon. None of these is a one-off accommodation. They are scheduled, predictable, and reviewed.
What schools commonly get wrong:
- Treating the sensory diet as crisis-response (offering the swing only after a meltdown).
- Skipping the prescribed activities because the child "seems fine".
- Allowing TAs to substitute their own activities.
- Using the sensory diet as the alternative to addressing curriculum demands the child cannot meet.
- None of those is a sensory diet; they are reactive accommodations.
Section F in an EHCP should specify the sensory diet by reference to the OT's written programme (named, dated, attached), the frequency, the staff training, and the OT's review schedule. Generic "access to sensory equipment" is unenforceable.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside Sensory Diet.
Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD)
Difficulty taking in, organising, and responding to everyday sensory information (touch, sound, movement, taste, smell, sight, balance, and body awareness) in a way that supports daily life.
Sensory Integration
A clinical approach developed by occupational therapists that helps the brain organise sensory input through specific, often play-based, therapeutic activities.
Occupational Therapist(OT)
An HCPC-registered specialist who supports children to participate in everyday activities, working on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and handwriting.
Co-Regulation
The process by which a calm, attuned adult helps a child regulate their nervous system. Co-regulation comes before self-regulation and is the foundation of emotional learning.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page after an OT has recommended a sensory diet but the school is not implementing it, or before Section F is being drafted. Searches include "sensory diet school programme", "OT sensory diet template", and "Section F sensory diet wording". A Beaakon paediatric OT can carry out a Sensory Profile-2, write a school-specific sensory diet programme, train the staff to deliver it, and review the programme termly.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.