Children’s Occupational Therapy

Participating in daily activities

This page explains:

• when SEND services can help and how to contact them
• where to find information
• what to do while you are waiting

Occupational Therapy Services

In Somerset, OT support comes from:

• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – Children and Young People’s Therapy Service
• Somerset Council – Children with Disabilities Service

Occupational Therapy as part of the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service (CYPTS)

Parents or practitioners might notice a child finding it hard to:

• play
• join in at nursery or school
• do everyday self‑care tasks

The NHS CYPTS Occupational Therapy team gives advice, assessments and therapy to help with these skills.

You can use the Early Years and School-age Fact Files. These include practical advice sheet for common concerns including fine and gross motor skills, co-ordination, and sensory needs. They share ideas for play and daily routines and ways adults can support skills development. You can also find:

• referral forms
• explanations of how to refer a child or young person.

If you need further advice, phone our advice line on 0303 033 3002. Open 9am to 12pm, Monday to Thursday (not available on Bank Holidays).

Accessing occupational therapy flow chart

Part of the NHS Children and Young People’s Therapy Service

PDF, 112 KB

Occupational Therapy as part of Children with Disabilities service

This council service helps when a child may need:

• changes to their home
• specialist equipment
• support to move safely
• help with posture
• adaptations to make daily life easier

After a referral, the OT team will do an assessment. They will then offer advice, equipment, or home adaptations to support the child’s daily needs.

The offer includes:

• changing the home environment so it fits the child’s abilities
• minor and major home adaptations
• specialist equipment
• safe moving and handling training
• support with posture and seating

You can find more information in the leaflet and on the Occupational Therapy Service page. For more advice, phone Somerset Council Customer Contact at 0300 123 2224.

More information

Below is information to help you understand needs and try ideas at home or in school.

Sensory processing

Information about sensory differences and ways to support regulation at home and in school.

This may include:

• understanding sensory preferences
• simple strategies for everyday routines
• environmental adjustments

These resources do not assess children or confirm diagnoses.

Using visuals

Ruth from Somerset Parent Carer Forum runs a session on using visuals to support your child or young person during Local Offer Live week. This supports the information in the Early Years and School-age Fact Files.

Disabled Facilities Grant

You could get a grant from Somerset Council if you are disabled and need to make changes to your home. Find out more on our Disabled Facilities Grants page.

While you are waiting

Waiting for support can be hard. There are still things you can do.

• Use the information above to try small changes
• Share strategies with your child’s early years setting or school
• Focus on what helps your child feel calm, confident and included

Trying these steps will not affect any future referral.