Health - Children's Occupational Therapy

The Children's Occupational Therapy Team provides support for children and young people from birth to age 19 (if in full time education) who live in or attend school in the Wakefield area. 

The service focuses on helping children and young people take part in everyday activities, including play, learning, and self-care.

How the service supports

The team provides assessment and therapy for children whose ability to take part in daily activities is affected by:

• Illness
• Disability
• Developmental difficulties

Support may include:

• Helping children develop skills for play, learning and independence
• Providing advice on physical support and positioning
• Recommending changes to the environment or equipment to support independence
• Reducing the level of support needed from parents and carers

Therapy and support can take place in a range of settings, including:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Children's centres
• Nurseries and schools (mainstream and specialist)
• The child's home

The team works closely with professionals in health, education and social care to provide coordinated support. 

Assessment and planning

Assessments are tailored to the individual needs of each child and may focus on areas such as physical development or coordination.

The team works with children, young people and their families to:

• Identify goals that are important to them
• Develop a personalised treatment plan
• Support progress towards achievable outcomes

Conditions supported

The service supports children whose development is affected by a wide range of conditions, including both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) needs. 

Accessing the service

Referrals can be made by: 

• A child's consultant
• A GP
• A school medical officer

Children and young people who have previously accessed the service may also be able to self-refer.

Following referral, needs will be assessed, and children may be placed on a waiting list depending on demand. 

To access the service, children must live in or attend a school within the Wakefield district. 

Service locations

The team is based within Children's Centres at:

• Pinderfields Hospital - Telephone: 01924 541411
• Pontefract Hospital - Telephone: 01977 747180

These centres include children's outpatient services and therapy services.