BROMLEY LOCAL SEND OFFER

Physical Disability

Understanding a physical disability

Children and young people with a physical disability may have difficulties with movement, coordination, stamina or physical independence. These needs may be present from birth or acquired later through illness or injury. Every child is different, and a physical disability does not necessarily affect learning ability, although some children may have additional needs.

What this may mean for your child

A child or young person with a physical disability may:

Find it harder to move around their home, school or community
Need support with fine motor skills (for example, writing, dressing or using equipment)
Tire more easily and need rest breaks
Use specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, walking aids or adapted seating
Need help with personal care or accessing activities

The impact is often about access to environments and activities, rather than what your child can achieve.

How children and young people are supported in Bromley

In Bromley, support is provided through a multi‑agency approach, working across education, health and social care. This may include:

Adapted equipment and resources to support independence at home and school
Accessibility adjustments within early years settings, schools and community environments
Support from therapists, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Assistance with personal care or mobility, where needed
Flexible approaches to learning, such as alternative ways of recording work

Support will be based on your child’s individual needs and may be outlined in a SEN Support plan or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan where appropriate.

Specialist services available in Bromley

Children’s Occupational Therapy (Bromley Healthcare)

Provides assessment, advice and therapy to help children develop everyday skills such as dressing, handwriting and using equipment
Supports children whose physical difficulties affect daily activities at home or school

Children’s Social Care Occupational Therapy (CSCOT)

Assesses needs within the home and recommends adaptations or equipment
Can support access to Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for major adaptations such as accessible bathrooms or lifts

Wheelchair and Special Seating Service (Bromley Healthcare)

NHS service providing assessment, provision, maintenance and repair of wheelchairs and specialist seating
Supports children and young people with long‑term mobility needs and offers ongoing advice and servicing

Physiotherapy services

Support movement, strength, coordination and physical development
Work alongside occupational therapy to help children achieve agreed goals and improve independence
Therapy may include activity and exercise programmes; individual or group sessions for problems including delay in development, mobility problems, neuromuscular disorders, neurological conditions, balance and co-ordination difficulties, joint and muscle pain/problems.

Additional support in the community

Families can also access wider advice, support and activities through local organisations, such as:

Bromley Well – information, advice and support for people with physical disabilities, including help with accessing services, wellbeing and community activities [bromleywell.org.uk]
Bromley Mencap – support, advice and opportunities for children, young people and families with disabilities

Working together

Supporting a child with a physical disability works best when families, education settings and professionals work together. In Bromley, services aim to:

Promote independence and inclusion
Listen to the child or young person’s voice
Support participation in everyday activities, education and community life
If you are concerned about your child’s physical development or mobility, you can speak to your child’s school, GP, health visitor or SENCO, who can help you access the right support.