Handwriting and schoolwork
Slow, tiring or hard-to-read writing, trouble with scissors and rulers, or difficulty copying from the board.
Children's occupational therapy in South Shields
Assessments and therapy for children and young people in South Shields and across South Tyneside, at home and in school, with reports that help parents and teachers plan support. Adults are seen too.
- Home and school visits
- Sensory and motor assessments
- Reports for EHCP requests
- Parent coaching by video
Request a quote
Tell us a little about what you need and we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
The service
Children's occupational therapy delivered at home and in school
Private Occupational Therapy assesses and treats children and young people in South Shields, covering motor skills and handwriting, sensory processing, self-care, school and EHCP assessments, and support for children with autism, ADHD or dyspraxia.
An occupational therapist sees your child at home and in school, travelling down from Newcastle for each visit, with parent coaching by video where it suits the family. The process runs from an initial conversation with you to an assessment, then a written report with recommendations, and a block of therapy or follow-up if one is needed.
What to expect
- A first conversation about your child's goals
- A quote agreed before anything is booked
- A written report in clear language
- Strategies for home and the classroom
- Progress reviewed against agreed goals
- Findings shared with school or GP, with your consent
Why families get in touch
What brings South Shields parents to a private OT?
Many families contact Private Occupational Therapy because an ordinary part of the day has turned into a daily struggle. These are the concerns raised most often, and each is covered by our paediatric occupational therapy service.
Sensory overload
Meltdowns after school, avoiding noisy places, refusing certain clothes or foods, or seeking constant movement.
Sensory integration therapyCoordination and balance
Tripping and bumping into things, finding PE or riding a bike hard, or a diagnosis of dyspraxia (DCD).
Dressing and self-care
Buttons, laces, brushing teeth and toileting taking much longer than for other children of the same age.
Attention and routines
Getting started, staying on task or switching between activities, often alongside ADHD or autism.
Starting or changing school
Moving into a South Shields nursery, Reception class or secondary school and wanting the right strategies ready from day one.
School visits and EHCP evidence in South Tyneside
Watching a child in class often explains more than any questionnaire. With the school's agreement, an occupational therapist can observe lessons, playtime and the moments between activities, talk with the class teacher or SENCO, and leave practical strategies staff can start using straight away. Visits are possible at primary and secondary schools in South Shields and across the borough, including Jarrow, Hebburn and the Boldons.
South Tyneside Council is responsible for Education, Health and Care needs assessments for children who live in the borough. If you are thinking about a request, or a plan is coming up for review, an independent EHCP and school assessment sets out the child's occupational therapy needs and the provision that would help. The council makes its own decisions and its process can change, so check the latest guidance with its SEND team. Reports can also be written for a tribunal if a case reaches that stage.
Coaching for parents between visits
Much of a child's progress happens between sessions, so families in South Shields leave each visit with simple activities and routines to try at home. Some of this coaching works well by video, which can be easier to fit around work and the school run. Later reviews check what has helped and what needs adjusting as the child grows.
Families north of the river can find similar information on the North Shields page, and every location is listed under areas served.
Sensory processing
When everyday sensations feel like too much
Some children find normal levels of noise, touch or movement overwhelming, while others seem to need far more of it than their friends.
A sensory assessment looks at how a child reacts to the world at home, in school and out in places like the beach at South Shields or a busy supermarket, then builds a plan around their actual day. Many children seen for this have a diagnosis of autism or are waiting for one, but a diagnosis is not required before asking for help. Read more about occupational therapy for autistic children.
Signs parents often notice
- Covering ears at everyday sounds
- Distress at haircuts or nail cutting
- Refusing labels, seams or socks
- Constant climbing, crashing or spinning
- A very narrow range of foods
- Exhaustion and meltdowns after school
Adults and older relatives in South Shields
This page focuses on children, but the service works in exactly the same way for adults. South Tyneside District Hospital on Harton Lane, run by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is where many people from South Shields are treated, and some come home needing help with stairs, bathing or confidence after a fall. A home assessment looks at the house and suggests practical changes, alongside any NHS support already arranged.
Homes across the borough range from older terraces and Tyneside flats to post-war estates and bungalows, and each brings its own problems with steps, narrow doorways and small bathrooms. Private Occupational Therapy travels from Newcastle for these visits, from Westoe and Harton to Whitburn and Cleadon, and the travel involved is included when your quote is prepared.
FAQs
Questions parents ask us
Does my child need a diagnosis before an assessment?
No. Plenty of children are assessed because of difficulties a parent or teacher has spotted, with no diagnosis in place. The findings can be passed to your GP or the school if you are pursuing one.
Will the school let you observe my child?
Most schools are happy to arrange a visit once the head teacher or SENCO understands what an observation involves. With your agreement, a short summary is shared with staff afterwards so everyone is working from the same advice.
How do families usually pay?
Many parents fund assessments themselves, and some use a health insurance policy, a personal budget or support agreed with the school. The fees and funding page explains each of these routes in more detail.
Talk to us about your child
Tell us your child's age, what they find hard and whether school has raised concerns. We will reply by email from Private Occupational Therapy with a suggested starting point for your family in South Shields and a quote to look over at home.