Developmental assessment
Standardised tests and clinical observation of fine and gross motor skills, visual perception, sensory processing and self-care.
Paediatric occupational therapy in Newcastle
Private occupational therapy for children and young people who find everyday tasks harder than they should be, from handwriting and dressing to coordination, play and coping with the school day.
- Home, school and nursery visits
- Play-based therapy sessions
- Clear written reports
- Strategies for parents and teachers
Request a quote
Tell us a little about what you need and we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Our service
Paediatric occupational therapy from Private Occupational Therapy
We provide private assessment, therapy and written reports for children and young people in Newcastle and across the North East, building the skills and confidence they need at home, at school and at play.
An occupational therapist works with your child at home, at school or nursery, or by video where that suits. The work starts with an initial conversation, moves on to a hands-on assessment and a written report with recommendations, and continues with play-based therapy sessions if they are needed.
What families can expect
- A conversation about your child and your goals first
- A quote before any work goes ahead
- A clear report written in plain English
- Strategies you and school can use straight away
- Progress reviewed against agreed goals
- Liaison with school and health staff with your consent
Who it's for
Who is paediatric occupational therapy for?
Children's OT suits babies, children and teenagers whose difficulties are affecting daily routines, learning or wellbeing.
When a child finds playing, eating, dressing or learning unusually hard, the effects spread quickly: mornings become a battle, homework ends in tears and confidence at school starts to slip. Some families arrive with a diagnosis such as dyspraxia (DCD), autism or ADHD. Many simply have a sense that something is not quite right and want a clear explanation. Teachers and SENCOs often raise the first concern, particularly around handwriting, sitting still or managing the classroom. Our guide to the signs your child may benefit from OT covers this in more depth.
Common reasons parents get in touch
- Messy, slow or painful handwriting
- Trouble with buttons, zips, laces or cutlery
- Clumsiness, poor balance or avoiding PE
- Strong reactions to noise, clothing or food textures
- Difficulty settling, concentrating or following routines
- Delayed toileting or self-care skills
- Low confidence with play and friendships
What's included
What private OT for children includes
Every child's programme is different, but most draw on the elements below.
Written report
Findings explained in plain English, with goals and recommendations you can share with school or health professionals.
Play-based therapy
One-to-one sessions that build skills through purposeful, motivating activities matched to your child's interests.
School and nursery liaison
Classroom observation, conversations with teachers and strategies staff can use during lessons.
Home programme
Short, realistic activities and coaching for parents so progress continues between sessions.
Equipment advice
Recommendations for seating, pencil grips, sloped boards or adapted cutlery where they help.
Typical goals for children's occupational therapy
Goals are agreed with you and, where possible, with your child, so they feel meaningful rather than imposed. They are written in everyday terms, such as getting dressed for school without help or writing a short paragraph without hand pain, which makes progress easy to recognise.
Independence with self-care
Dressing, eating with cutlery, brushing teeth and toileting are common priorities. Breaking each task into steps and practising them in a calm, predictable way often reduces stress for the whole family.
Handwriting and classroom skills
Therapy can work on grip, posture, letter formation and speed, alongside scissor skills and organising equipment. Where writing remains effortful, the report may recommend alternatives such as typing.
Coordination, regulation and confidence
Ball skills, balance and body awareness help with PE and playground games. For children who become overwhelmed easily, therapy also explores calming strategies, which may lead into our sensory integration therapy service.
How it works
How paediatric OT works with Private Occupational Therapy
Tell us your concerns
Share your child's age, school and the difficulties you have noticed, plus any reports you already have.
Initial conversation and quote
A short discussion clarifies priorities and whether a home visit, school visit or both makes sense.
Assessment and report
Your child does not need to prepare. Activities feel like play, and goals in the report are agreed with you.
Therapy and reviews
Sessions are planned in blocks, and goals are revisited at each review before anything further is booked.
Home, school and nursery visits across the North East
Seeing a child where the difficulty actually shows up, whether that is the breakfast table or the classroom, gives a truer picture than a clinic room. We visit families in Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, Northumberland and County Durham, and video sessions work well for parent coaching and reviews.
How reports are used
Paediatric reports are written for parents first and professionals second. Schools use them to plan classroom support, and they can contribute evidence to SEN support plans. If you need a report written specifically for an Education, Health and Care Plan, the EHCP and school assessments service is designed for that purpose.
Cost and funding
Many families self-fund children's OT, and some private health insurance policies contribute. You will receive a quote before any work goes ahead, and the fees and funding page explains the options in more detail.
FAQs
Questions parents ask about children's OT
Do I need a diagnosis or GP referral for my child?
No. You can refer your child directly. An assessment can help clarify what is going on, and the report can be shared with your GP or paediatrician if further investigation seems sensible.
How many sessions will my child need?
That depends on your child's needs and goals. After the assessment you will receive a recommendation for a block of sessions, with progress reviewed before any further therapy is planned.
Will you speak to my child's school?
Yes, with your consent. Talking to the class teacher or SENCO helps make recommendations realistic, and a school observation can be included in the assessment.
What happens in a therapy session?
Sessions look like purposeful play. Your child might complete an obstacle course, build with small pieces or practise a dressing task, with each activity chosen to work towards an agreed goal.
Related support
Related services for children and families
Talk to us about your child
Send a few details about your child and the difficulties you are seeing, and Private Occupational Therapy will suggest a sensible first step and provide a quote.