Physiotherapists help children and young people who have difficulties with movement, balance, posture, and physical strength.

In Croydon, physiotherapy is sometimes provided in schools or nurseries as part of your child’s education support. This is known as the Education Element and helps your child take part in learning, move safely, and be more independent in school or college.

Physiotherapists work with children who may:

• Have trouble walking, sitting, or using stairs.
• Get tired quickly when moving around school.
• Have conditions like cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, or joint problems.
• Use mobility aids such as a walker or wheelchair.
• Need support with posture, coordination, or strength.
• Need physiotherapy exercises as part of their EHCP.

The goal is to help your child stay active, safe, and included in all parts of school life.

Physiotherapy can be provided:

• In your child’s school or nursery.
• At a therapy clinic or community setting.
• At home, through advice and exercises for parents and carers.
• By training school staff to support your child during the day.

Therapists work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and families to make sure your child’s physical needs are supported throughout the school day.

If physiotherapy is listed in your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the service will make sure the therapy is provided through the education section (Section F).

This means Croydon is responsible for making sure your child gets the support they need to access their education.

Therapists will also contribute to annual reviews and help schools understand how to support your child in the classroom and during physical activities.

You can ask about physiotherapy by speaking to:

• Your child’s school SENCo or class teacher.
• A GP, health visitor, or early years professional.
• A paediatrician or other health worker.

They can help refer your child to the Children’s Physiotherapy Service through Croydon Health Services (CHS).

Support may be given through SEN Support, as part of an EHCP, or through a health referral depending on your child’s needs. 

Croydon’s physiotherapy team works in:

• Mainstream and special schools.
• Early years settings.
• Homes and clinics, depending on your child’s needs.

They support children and young people from birth up to 18 years old, or up to 19 if they attend a Croydon special school. 

Children's Physiotherapy Team