Children's Occupational Therapy (NHS)

Occupational therapists are available to help children develop skills in self-care, education, and play.

Who do we see?

In order to access the service the child must be registered with a GP within the Wandsworth Borough. The Occupational Therapy service is only commissioned to see children of primary school age unless the child has a physical disability.  Children with a physical disability affecting their mobility will be seen up to 18yrs.    Children who attend a Specialist Resource Base or a Special School will be seen by the on site OTs and not by Community OT. 

Referrals:

We ask that schools and nurseries refer to our service providing evidence that a selection of advice and activities have been implemented from the Ordinarily Available Provision document that was published by Wandsworth Council.  In addition we have developed a toolkit called the 'OT Activity Pack' for schools that will help them implement advice and recommendations on a universal level.  Children should only be referred to Occupational Therapy should they require specialist input.  The OT Activity Pack is downloadable from this page. 

Waiting list and appointments:

Our waiting list is currently longer than 18 weeks.   We apologise in advance for this. In order to help us deal with this we have developed a 'Waiting list initiative' which will aim to reduce waiting times for families.  Please bear with us during this time and inform us of any relevant changes. 

We offer face to face assessments and reviews, but where clinically indicated may offer this via telephone or virtual platforms as appropriate to need.  

Following your child's assessment:

After your child's assessment, you will be provided with an Occupational Therapy report. This report will include a detailed summary of the assessment findings, along with practical recommendations and advice. The report will also guide you on how to contact us directly if you'd like to schedule a review for your child. This is part of the 'Patient Initiated Follow Up' pathway which is a key part of the NHS’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping providers manage waiting lists and to see those who are most in need.   Please note that the responsibility therefor rests with the parent to book a review.  If we do not hear from you by the end of the agreed period, it will be assumed that an appointment was not required, and your child will be discharged from our service back to the care of the GP.

What happens if you do not bring your child for their appointment?

We currently have a very high DNA (did not attend) rate which affects the management of our Waiting List.  We ask that parents inform us in good time if they are unable to attend their child's appointment.  We operate a strict DNA policy of 2 DNAs leading to the child being discharged.  

Training:

We will be delivering regular Parent and school training sessions.  Please see Leaflets in the section top right for more information. 

Contact details:

Please may we request that families contact the [javascript protected email address] inbox which is being monitored by a member of the team daily. Non-urgent queries will be recorded but may not receive an immediate response.

Our administrator can be phoned on the following number: Tel: 020 8725 5748 Our operating hours are 9am-5pm Monday – Friday (year round) We are closed on Bank Holidays

 If your child has Autism you can access the Occupational Therapy services at WAAS.  See link below. 

Family Information Service | Parents and Carers

Key staff

Head of Children's Therapies - Jo Harrington-Hill

Clinical Team Lead for Children’s Occupational Therapy – Elgonia Dreyer

Administrator for Children’s Occupational Therapy – Azeb Yimer