Children's Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists help children participate in daily activities by addressing physical, developmental and sensory challenges that affect their ability to play, learn and care for themselves.

The SHC Children’s Occupational Therapy Service provides assessment and support for children presenting with a wide range of difficulties to help the children to become as independent as possible

We provide help and support for children and young people who have a physical disability, or difficulties with practical, sensory or motor skills which affect their ability to function independently. We work with young children with complex needs and can provide specialist equipment such as specialist seating in nursery.  We also support children and young people who require splinting to increase functional skills.

We are able to help children who have difficulty with co-ordination and development of gross motor skills, hand function and development of fine motor and hand skills, self care skills such as dressing, and difficulties processing sensory information - which can make it hard to concentrate and engage in activities.

Who is the service for?

• Children / young people aged 0-17 years 11 months who have a physical disability and/or severe and complex health needs.
• Children where there is evidence of significant need due to motor, coordination or sensory difficulties which impact on the child’s functional ability.  Children must be referred before they are 5 years old but once accepted, can be seen by the service until the age of 8 if OT input or review is indicated or new difficulties arise.
• Children up to the age of 8, registered with a Sutton GP, who are transferring from another Occupational Therapy service as they have recently moved into the area. Their most recent Occupational Therapy report will be required with the referral.
• Children referred must be registered with a Sutton GP.

How will the service help my child?

The Occupational Therapist will see you and your child and will talk to you about your concerns. They will play and talk with your child, to help decide whether your child has difficulties and how these affect them.

They will give you ideas for activities and strategies you can use and practice at home. They may also recommend some small pieces of useful equipment you could buy to use with your child.

The Therapist will write a short report about your child and provide you with a programme of activities. This information will be shared with nursery or school so they can use the same ideas and activities to help your child during the day.

We may offer your child some therapy input, which could be in a group with other children, or some individual sessions.

How can my child get this service?

If you are worried about your child's development, discuss this with your Health Visitor, School Nurse, or your GP.  They may then refer you into our service.  If your child is seen by a Paediatrician, Physiotherapist, Dietitian or Speech and Language therapist, they can also refer.

Where will my child receive this service?

Children are usually invited to a Health Clinic for their first Occupational Therapy appointment. We offer appointments at Green Wrythe Lane Clinic, Carshalton.  

Follow up appointments, if needed, will be offered in the same clinic.  For children with very complex health needs, appointments can take place at home.