Children's Occupational Therapy
The Children’s Occupational Therapy service provides therapy, advice, equipment and adaptations for children who have disabilities or difficulties with everyday tasks. The service is based at the Crystal Centre and we also work in a variety of settings including schools, nurseries, Croydon University Hospital and the child’s home.
Occupational therapists are specially trained to assess and provide advice and intervention for children with any disability and children who experience difficulties with everyday tasks at home, school and at play.
Occupational therapists assist with:
- specialist equipment
- home adaptations
- development of play and personal care skills
- splinting for chronic conditions
- coordination and fine motor skills development
- sensory processing and integration
- school advice to accommodate the child’s needs.
Referrals can be made by parents or carers, schools and other professionals. Please contact the service to obtain a referral form. It may be necessary for a completed questionnaire to be returned to the service.
Following an assessment of the child’s needs, input is given in the form of programmes, therapy sessions, group sessions, equipment and adaptation provision, guidance to schools and working together with other relevant services to meet the child’s needs.
General advice and activities
Please see our early years, primary school and secondary school advice sheets (on the right) which offer activity ideas and advice for schools/guardians/parents who are concerned about their child’s functional development. They are grouped in different stages for early years and school but individual ideas may be relevant to your child regardless of stage.
Before using the activity sheets please read the “Introduction to Advice Sheets” guide as this will explain the importance and recommended frequency of repetition of the activities.
Appointments
What do I do if I haven’t received my appointment yet?
The waiting time for an initial appointment is 18 weeks. Should you wish to check on progress of your referral you can contact Children’s OT on 020 8274 6854 to enquire. When the child has been allocated to a member of the OT team, contact will be made to arrange an initial appointment.
What do I do if I want to change or cancel an appointment?
Please contact Children’s OT as soon as possible to reschedule any appointments.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Copies of relevant school and medical reports may be helpful.
What time should I arrive for my appointment?
It is essential that you arrive on time for your appointment in order to receive input for the full scheduled session. Treatment room sessions will not be able to overrun.
Contact Us
Croydon Children’s Occupational Therapy Service
Crystal Children’s Development Centre
Malling Close,
Addiscombe
Croydon, CR0 7YD
Telephone: 020 8274 6854/6850