Children's Occupational Therapy Service

Children's Occupational Therapy Service

We help children and young people with physical difficulties take part in everyday activities that are important to them.

Our goal is to help children build skills, confidence and independence.

We can help with activities such as:

  • getting dressed
  • using a pencil
  • playing with other children
  • taking part in learning
  • getting around at home, school and in the community

We look at:

  • the child or young person
  • the activities they need or want to do
  • the places where they spend their time

We know that all these things work together and can affect how well a child joins in with everyday life.

Watch the video below to learn more about our service and find simple ideas that can help children in school and other education settings.

If your child needs an occupational therapy assessment

Your child may be able to use our service if they:

  • are aged 0 to 18 years old, or up to 19 if they are still in full-time education
  • are registered with a GP in Cumbria
  • have physical difficulties that make everyday activities harder

This may include difficulties with:

  • getting dressed and personal care
  • playing
  • handwriting and classroom tasks
  • taking part in learning activities
  • moving around at home, school or in the community

Before you make a referral

Firstly, please look at our Developing Skills for Activities information

This section has practical advice, strategies and resources to help children develop skills and independence.

Schools and education settings can also watch our Creating Positive Learning Environments video for ideas and practical tips.

We encourage families and professionals to try these suggestions before making a referral. If a referral has already been made, these ideas can also be used while waiting for an appointment.

You may find support that can be put in place straight away.

How to make a referral

If your child is still finding activities difficult after trying these suggestions, please complete our referral form.

Children's Occupational Therapy referral form [WORD 98KB]

The referral should come from someone who knows the child well and understands the difficulties they are having.

This could be:

  • a parent or carer
  • a teacher
  • a health professional
  • a social care professional
  • the young person themselves

If you are not sure whether to make a referral, contact your local therapy team for advice.

Sensory processing support

We cannot accept referrals that only ask for a sensory assessment when there is no physical difficulty affecting everyday activities.

If you need information about sensory processing, visit: Supporting Children with Sensory Processing Needs.

You will find:

  • videos
  • practical advice
  • resources
  • strategies to try at home, school or nursery
  • information about support available in Cumbria

What happens after a referral

Children's occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists work together as one therapy team across Cumbria.

We use a one child, one occupational therapist approach. This helps us understand your child's needs across health, education and social care.

The support we offer

We provide different levels of support. This means your child gets the help they need at the right time.

Support may include:

  • online advice and information
  • ideas to adapt activities
  • advice for school or nursery staff
  • group sessions
  • one-to-one sessions
  • advice about equipment
  • advice about changes to home or school environments

Together, we will agree goals that are important to your child.

When your child has reached their goals, we will close their case. If their needs change later, they can be referred again.

Make a new referral

Use the referral form if you:

  • are making a new referral
  • need to refer a child to the service again after support has ended

Children's Occupational Therapy referral form [WORD 98KB].

Further help and advice

You can also view: