About the service
The service works in partnership with families and other professionals (such as school staff and health professionals) to support to children achieve their maximum level of independence in functional activities.
Occupational therapists will help children and their parents to build skills in:
- Self-care skills – Dressing toileting bathing drinking feeding
- School activities – handwriting, concentration in class and participation in the school day
- Play and leisure activities playing with toys, cycling with the family, playing outdoor games using a computer.
Referrals are triaged and an appointment will be arranged with parents/carers to discuss their concerns and issues. The occupational therapists will discuss strategies, programmes and interventions specific to that individual child and their family.
Observations and assessments of the child may take place in a variety of settings such as home, school, or clinic settings.
The team comprises:
- Occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Admin staff.
The service sees children and young people registered with a Gateshead GP. Referrals can be from GPs or other Health Professionals, local education staff and social workers.
