BROMLEY SEND LOCAL OFFER
Occupational therapy
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) supports children and young people who have difficulties with everyday activities such as self-care, school tasks and play.
In Bromley, OT is part of the graduated approach to SEND, meaning support is provided at different levels depending on your child’s needs.
OT can support children with:
- Physical disabilities
- Coordination or motor skill difficulties
- Sensory processing needs
- Developmental delays affecting everyday activities
What support is available?
Universal support (for all children)
Available without referral.
This includes:
- Advice, guidance and resources for families, schools and early years settings
- Strategies to support skills such as handwriting, dressing and coordination
- Online information and training materials
This level helps identify and meet needs early, without the need for specialist intervention.
Targeted occupational therapy
For children who need some additional support.
This may include:
- Assessment of specific difficulties (e.g. handwriting or dressing skills)
- Short-term intervention or group support
- Practical strategies for home and school
Children are usually referred through a school, SENCO, GP or other professional.
Specialist occupational therapy
For children and young people with more complex or long-term needs.
This includes:
- Detailed assessment of functional skills
- Ongoing therapy
- Joint working with other services (e.g. physiotherapy, speech and language therapy)
- Advice and input into Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans
Occupational therapy is part of the health advice (Section G) within an EHC plan where relevant.
Additional occupational therapy support in Bromley
Occupational therapy for equipment and physical disability
Some children may need specialist equipment to support independence.
This may include:
- Specialist seating or positioning equipment
- Adapted resources in school
- Advice on safe movement and handling
This support helps children access education and everyday activities.
Children’s Social Care Occupational Therapy (home adaptations)
This service focuses on supporting children within the home.
Support may include:
- Assessments of access and safety within the home
- Recommendations for equipment (e.g. bathing, toileting or lifting equipment)
- Referrals for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for major adaptations such as accessible bathrooms
Integrated therapy and multi-agency working
Occupational therapy works closely with:
- Schools and education settings
- Physiotherapy and other health services
- Social care services
This ensures a coordinated approach across home, school and the community, particularly for children with SEND.
Support for SEND processes (EHC needs assessments)
Occupational Therapists may:
- Provide advice as part of an EHC needs assessment
- Recommend provision and outcomes
- Contribute to annual reviews
This ensures support is clearly linked to your child’s identified needs and long-term outcomes.
How do I access occupational therapy?
Access depends on your child’s level of need:
- Universal support – available through schools, early years settings and online resources
- Targeted or specialist OT – referral through a professional such as a SENCO, GP or health practitioner
- Social Care OT – referral via Bromley Children’s Social Care
You do not always need a diagnosis, but support is based on your child’s assessed needs.
How does this link to SEND?
Occupational therapy is an important part of Bromley’s SEND system. It:
- Supports children and young people to access education and daily life
- Contributes to SEN Support and EHC plans
- Focuses on building independence, participation and preparation for adulthood
What should I do if I'm concerned?
If you think your child may need support with everyday activities or physical skills, you can:
- Speak to your child’s school or SENCO
- Contact your GP or health professional
They can help you access the most appropriate level of support.