Who is it for?

The team work with children and young people from birth up to 18 (19 in complex needs schools) and their families who have difficulties with everyday activities due to illness, disability or coordination skills.

The aim of occupational therapy is to improve independence and quality of life.

• Premature Baby Follow up and Pre-school Children

  Babies born before 33 weeks of pregnancy are routinely referred to occupational therapy as part of their follow up.

  They are seen in the clinic and support is given around development, play and useful baby equipment.

  Other pre-school children who have difficulty with important everyday activities are seen in the clinic but may also need home or nursery visits.

• Physical Disabilities and Illness

  Children who are having functional difficulties because of a physical disability or illness are seen by an occupational therapist in the location most suitable for the child.

  For example, if a child is having difficulty eating their tea at home because they cannot sit up without support, we would usually come and see them at home. This allows us to see the actual difficulties they are having, as sometimes, minor changes can make a big difference to how they are able to complete an activity.

  We will often need to see these children in more than one place to get a full picture of their needs and may also see them in a clinic depending on what they need.

• Coordination and Fine Motor Skills

  Children who are having difficulties caused by their coordination or hand skills are seen in a clinic. This allows us to complete our assessments in a suitable environment and means we can discuss your concerns away from the distractions of home or school.

  Before we see a school-age child with these difficulties, you will need to demonstrate that you have tried to resolve the difficulties at home and school. Full details of how you can do this are in our Pre-Referral Pack.

  Pre-school children don't have to complete this programme before being referred, but practising some of the activities could be useful while they are waiting for an appointment.

• Child-Specific Moving and Handling in Schools

  We provide child-specific moving and handling assessment and training in mainstream Norfolk schools. This service is for physically disabled children and young people and is not for those requiring physical help due to behavioural problems. 
  
  Schools can refer directly to us with this referral form.