Introduction
Physiotherapy support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in Somerset is mainly provided by the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service (CYPTS). This service is part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Physiotherapy Service
Parents or practitioners may notice concerns in the development of a child or young person’s physical skills. This may include concerns about everyday movement, joint pain in younger children, or breathing difficulties.
The Physiotherapy Service within CYPTS offers:
- advice
- assessments
- therapy support
This support helps address physical development needs.
You can use the Fact Files for Early Years or for School-age children. These include practical advice sheets. 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).
Support schools may offer
Schools can use the Let’s Get Moving Programme.
This helps children take part in regular movement activities.
The programme can also help track progress by using:
- clear goals
- progress tables
This shows starting ability and skill development over time.
Other services
If a child or young person has an injury and is over 8 years, it may be more appropriate to use the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Teams. These teams work across Somerset. A doctor’s referral is needed.
Some physiotherapists also work in Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital. They may see children and young people who are:
- staying on a ward
- attending specialist clinics.
Orthopaedic teams in those hospitals also run normal variant clinics. These clinics support children with movement patterns such as:
- walking on tiptoes
- walking with feet turned in or out