Specialist SEND Therapy

Occupational Therapy for Children
and Young People with SEND

Supporting independence, motor skills, sensory integration and participation across school and home - for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND and additional needs.

What OT can help with
Fine & gross motor skill development
Sensory processing & integration
Handwriting, self-care & independence
Emotional regulation & behaviour
EHCP assessments & statutory reports
School & home-based delivery
Understanding OT

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

An occupational therapist (OT) helps children and young people develop the skills they need to participate fully in everyday life — whether that's holding a pencil, getting dressed, managing emotions in a busy classroom, or navigating a social situation.

The word "occupational" refers to the activities that are meaningful and necessary in a child's life: play, learning, self-care, and social participation. When these activities are difficult, an OT identifies why and creates a personalised plan to build the skills and strategies the child needs.

KidsKinetic occupational therapists work directly in schools, at home, and in community settings — reducing the need for clinic appointments and bringing support into the child's real-world environment.

OT addresses difficulties in:

Fine motor skills — handwriting, cutting, gripping, self-care
Gross motor skills — balance, coordination, physical confidence
Sensory processing — managing sensory environments, over/under-sensitivity
Emotional regulation — strategies for managing big emotions and self-calming
Daily living skills — independence in dressing, eating, school routines
Social participation — engaging in play, group activities and classroom life
Who We Support

Who Our Occupational Therapy Service is For

We support children and young people aged 0–25 across a wide range of needs and diagnoses - in school, at home and in community settings.

Autism & ADHD

Children with autism or ADHD who experience difficulties with sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily routines or social participation.

DCD & Dyspraxia

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia who struggle with motor coordination, handwriting, balance or self-care tasks.

Sensory Processing Difficulties

Children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input and find school or home environments overwhelming, distracting or distressing.

Emotional Regulation Needs

Children who struggle to manage their emotions, self-regulate in busy environments, or maintain focus and engagement in learning.

Physical & Developmental Needs

Children with physical disabilities, developmental delays or complex needs who require support to build independence and participation.

EHCP & SEND Support

Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan who require OT assessment, statutory reporting or ongoing therapeutic input.

Not sure if OT is right for your child or pupil?

Our team is happy to discuss a child's needs before any referral is made.

Talk to Our Team
Our OT Services

Our Occupational Therapy Services

From initial assessment through to ongoing intervention - all services are delivered by HCPC-registered occupational therapists with specialist SEND experience.

OT Assessments & EHCP Reports

Comprehensive occupational therapy assessments including standardised and functional tools. Written EHCP-ready reports with clear, actionable recommendations for schools, families and local authorities.

Sensory Integration Support

Specialist sensory integration assessment and intervention - identifying sensory processing profiles and creating structured programmes to support regulation in school and home environments.

Fine & Gross Motor Skill Development

Targeted intervention to develop handwriting, pencil grip, cutting, balance, coordination and physical confidence - building the foundational skills children need for learning and daily life.

Emotional Regulation Strategies

Evidence-based regulation strategies - including sensory diets, self-calming techniques and structured routines - to help children manage emotions, reduce anxiety and improve classroom readiness.

Functional Life Skills Support

Practical support for self-care, independence and daily living skills - dressing, feeding, toileting and school routines - tailored to the child's age, ability and home environment.

School Observations & Classroom Assessments

Direct classroom observation to assess how a child functions in their educational environment - identifying specific barriers and providing targeted, environment-specific recommendations to school staff.

1:1 Therapy Sessions

Individualised therapy sessions delivered in school, at home or in community settings - structured to meet the child's specific needs and goals, with regular progress monitoring and written updates.

Home & School-Based Therapy

Flexible delivery across both settings - ensuring therapy is embedded in the environments where children spend their time, maximising the impact of each session and building carry-over into daily routines.

Parent & Staff Guidance

Tailored coaching and guidance sessions for parents, carers and school staff - building confidence and skills to support the child between therapy sessions and ensure consistency across environments.

What to Expect

What Families and Schools Can Expect

Meaningful, measurable progress - at school, at home and in the child's wider life.

Greater Independence

Children develop the skills to manage everyday tasks more independently - from dressing to participating in classroom activities.

Better Emotional Regulation

Proven strategies to help children manage their emotions, reduce meltdowns and feel calmer and more settled throughout the school day.

Increased Participation

More confident, engaged participation in classroom activities, group work, play and school life - with reduced avoidance and withdrawal.

Improved Motor Skills

Measurable improvements in handwriting, coordination, balance and physical confidence - tracked and reported at regular intervals.

Increased Staff Confidence

School staff feel better equipped to support children with SEND - with practical strategies, resources and follow-up guidance from our therapists.

Faster Access to Support

No long NHS waiting lists. Referrals are reviewed within 2 working days and assessment appointments arranged as quickly as possible.

How It Works

How the Referral and Therapy Process Works

A clear, transparent pathway from first contact to therapy and beyond.

1

Refer

Complete our online referral form - takes around 5 minutes. Tell us about the child and what you're concerned about.

Within 2 days
2

Assess

Our OT meets the child, carries out a comprehensive assessment and identifies their strengths, needs and goals.

First 2–4 weeks
3

Plan & Treat

A personalised therapy plan is agreed and sessions begin - in school, at home or both. Goals are shared with parents and staff.

Ongoing sessions
4

Review & Report

Progress is monitored and shared regularly. Written outcome reports provided at agreed intervals for families, schools and EHCP reviews.

Regular updates
Client Voices

What Schools and Families Say About Our OT Support

We have seen a great improvement in Chloe's motor skills, which has really promoted her independence. She now has so much more confidence - climbing challenging obstacles with far less adult supervision than we ever thought possible.

TracyParent
OT

Children from our focus group have made excellent progress in fine motor skills - particularly handwriting legibility and fluency. They've grown in confidence as independent learners. The advice passed to my TA will support children throughout the next academic year and beyond.

JamesClass Teacher
OT

The therapists have helped Connor feel more comfortable and resilient about the things he finds tricky. He's so much happier about going to school and more willing to practise at home - something he'd never do before.

KirstyParent
OT
Take the Next Step

Ready to Refer a Child for Occupational Therapy?

Our referral process is simple and straightforward - complete the form and we'll be in touch within 2 working days.