Occupational therapists help children and young people with everyday activities at home, such as dressing, eating, playing, focusing at school, or going out.
This guide provides resources created by occupational therapists to support daily activities, as well as information about occupational therapy services for children who need additional support.
Occupational Therapy (OT) Hub: Everyday tips, training, and local help
Access the OT Hub website to find:
- practical tips to help children and young people with everyday things like tying shoelaces, making snacks, and making friends
- videos for parents and teachers, dates for live workshops, and information about where occupational therapists will be in schools or your local area
- support to for children and young people who need help with specific things, such as developing sleep or supporting positive eating habits.
See the OT Support Hub.
Occupational therapist services for children and young people who need more support
In H&F three occupational therapist services support children and young people.
- If you have tried and your child needs more help with self-care activities such as dressing, eating, and toileting and sleep routines the CYPOT (Occupational Therapy for Children) NHS service can help. This service collaborates with families, nurseries, schools and other providers. Visit CYPOT (Occupational Therapy for Children) or contact clcht.referrals.cypot@nhs.net for an initial assessment if difficulties persist.
- If your child requires support to become more independent in daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed or accessing the bathroom or needs special equipment like a feeding chair, the Social Care OTs can help. This team also helps when is necessary to make adaptations at home for the child to access facilities. This can be for washing or to increase the safety in the home such as installing ramps instead of steps. For a referral to this team please email the Initial Consultation Team (ICAT) at family.services@lbhf.gov.uk
- If your child has an education, care and health plan (EHC) plan that indicates occupational therapy (OT) needs in section 'F', the SEN OT (Special Education Needs) service can help at school.