Occupational Therapists (OTs) help children and young people who find it difficult to do everyday activities like writing, dressing, using tools, or staying focused in class.

In Croydon, some Occupational Therapy is provided through schools and settings as part of your child’s educational support. This is called the Education Element and it helps children take part in learning and school life.

Occupational Therapists support children who struggle with:

• Fine motor skills - using hands for writing, cutting, or buttoning clothes.
• Gross motor skills - balancing, climbing, and sitting still.
• Handwriting - pencil grip, writing strength, and layout.
• Using classroom tools - like scissors, rulers, or cutlery at lunchtime.
• Sensory needs - like sensitivity to noise, textures, or movement.
• Staying focused and calm in busy or noisy environments.
• Independence skills - like getting dressed, using the toilet, or organising school bags.

The aim is to help your child be more confident and independent at school and in everyday activities.

OTs work closely with schools and may:

• Visit your child in their school or nursery.
• Offer advice or equipment to help in the classroom.
• Train teachers and staff on strategies for your child’s needs.
• Provide home activity ideas for you to practise with your child.
• Attend review meetings (like EHCP annual reviews) if needed.

Support may be offered 1:1, in small groups, or through advice to staff.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and occupational therapy is listed in it, the OT service will provide the support written in the education section (Section F) of the plan.

This means it is part of the legal support your child must receive, and it will be monitored through regular reviews.

You can speak to:

• Your child’s school SENCo or class teacher.
• Your GP, health visitor or early years key worker (for younger children).
• Another professional, like a paediatrician or therapist.

They can help make a referral to the Children’s Health Services (CHS) Occupational Therapy team if needed.

In many cases, OT support can be arranged even without an EHCP, as part of SEN Support in schools.

Croydon’s OT team works with:

• Mainstream and special schools
  
• Nurseries and early years settings
  
• Parents, carers, and other professionals
  

Together, they help make sure your child has the tools and strategies they need to learn, grow, and feel included at school.

Children's Occupational Therapy