Children’s Occupational Therapy Services
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Helping Your Child Thrive in Daily Life
Occupational Therapy is an evidence-based practice that transforms children's lives by enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence and wellbeing. Our paediatric occupational therapists use person-centred approaches to support your child's development and help them overcome barriers in their daily activities.
What is Paediatric Occupational Therapy?
Children's occupational therapy focuses on the activities of daily living that matter most to your child's growth and development.
Our experienced paediatric OTs work with families to address essential life skills including:
Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting
Pencil grip and handwriting development
Scissor skills and craft activities
Manipulating small objects and toys
Daily Living Skills
Independent dressing and self-care
Eating and mealtime skills
Personal hygiene routines
Gross Motor Coordination
Balance and coordination
Physical play and sports participation
Movement planning and body awareness
Sensory Processing Support
Managing sensory sensitivities
Developing coping strategies for
overwhelming environmentsImproving focus and attention
Independence & Life Skills
Money management and basic maths concepts
Community navigation and safety
Building confidence for school and social situations
Emotional Regulation & Social Skills
Managing emotions and behavioural responses
Developing autonomy and self-advocacy
Improving play skills and peer interactions
Conditions We Support
Our paediatric occupational therapists have extensive experience working with children and families across a variety of diagnoses and developmental differences, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Supporting communication, sensory needs, and social skills
ADHD - Improving attention, organization, and self-regulation
Cerebral Palsy - Enhancing mobility and adaptive skills
Neurological Conditions - Supporting recovery and adaptation
Sensory Processing Difficulties - Helping children manage sensory challenges
Global Developmental Delay - Supporting overall development across multiple skill areas
Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) - Improving motor planning and coordination skills
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) / Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) - Developing flexible approaches and coping strategies
Family-centred Care
We believe that families are the most important part of a child's therapy team. Our occupational therapists work closely with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that therapy goals align with your family's priorities and daily routines.
We provide practical strategies that can be implemented at home, school, and in the community to maximise your child's progress and independence.
EHCP Assessments and Reports
We provide comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs). Our detailed reports support applications to Local Education Authorities and identify specific support needs for school settings.
Our OT assessments can be combined with Speech & Language Therapy assessments for a complete multi-disciplinary evaluation. Following assessment, we offer ongoing therapy to address identified needs.
Assessments
We offer the following standardised assessments:
MOVEMENT ABC2
DASH
Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting
Sensory Profile 2
Beery VMI
Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration
TVPS
Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor): 3rd Edition
and non-standardised assessments:
Gross Motor Difficulties
Fine Motor Difficulties
Attention and Concentration
Regulation
Dressing, difficulties organising self and items
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy
What age children do you work with?
We work with children and young people from birth to 18 years old. Our occupational therapy approach is adapted for each developmental stage, from early intervention with babies to supporting teenagers with independence skills.
How long are occupational therapy sessions?
Initial OT assessments typically last 60-90 minutes and include discussion about your concerns, observation of your child during play and functional activities, assessment of fine motor skills and sensory processing, and evaluation of self-care abilities. Follow-up therapy sessions are usually 30-60 minutes, depending on your child's specific needs and goals.
Do you provide home visits for occupational therapy?
Yes, we offer flexible service delivery including clinic-based appointments at our Copford, Stanway, and Brentwood locations, home visits across Essex and beyond when more appropriate for your child or family circumstances, school-based therapy when beneficial, and online consultations for some types of therapy and follow-up sessions.
What does an occupational therapist do for children?
Occupational therapists help children develop the skills needed for daily activities and independence. We work on fine motor skills like handwriting and using scissors, sensory processing to help children regulate responses to sensory input, self-care skills such as dressing and feeding, school readiness including attention and organisation, and play skills for social development. OT focuses on helping children participate fully in home, school, and community activities.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Consider occupational therapy if your child struggles with handwriting or using scissors, has difficulty with buttons, zippers, or tying shoelaces, shows sensitivity or under-responsiveness to sounds, textures, or movement, has trouble focusing or sitting still in class, avoids messy play or certain food textures, struggles with coordination or appears clumsy, or has difficulty with age-appropriate self-care tasks. We offer initial assessments to evaluate your child's needs.
Do you work with children with autism?
Yes, we have extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Our approach is individualised and sensory-aware. We work on sensory processing and regulation, motor skills and coordination, daily living skills, reducing anxiety around activities, and supporting participation in school and community. We adapt our approach to each child's specific needs, interests, and sensory preferences.
Can occupational therapy help with school difficulties?
Yes, occupational therapy can significantly help with school-related challenges. We address handwriting difficulties, organisation and planning skills, attention and concentration, visual perception for reading and maths, fine motor skills for classroom tasks, and sensory regulation in busy classroom environments. We can provide school visits, environmental recommendations, and collaborate with teachers to support your child's educational success.
How quickly will my child show progress?
Every child develops at their own pace, and progress depends on various factors including your child's condition, therapy frequency, and practice at home. Some children show improvements within weeks, while others require longer-term support. We regularly review goals and adjust treatment plans to ensure your child continues making meaningful progress.
How often will my child need occupational therapy sessions?
Therapy frequency varies depending on your child's needs and goals. Some children benefit from weekly sessions, others from fortnightly or monthly appointments. We'll discuss the recommended frequency during your assessment and regularly review this as your child progresses.
Do you provide reports for EHCP, insurance or case managers?
Yes, we provide detailed assessment reports, progress updates, and treatment summaries for insurance companies, case managers, solicitors, and other professionals involved in your child's care. We're experienced in working with various funding bodies and can provide the documentation they require.