Private Occupational Therapy for Children in the UK

A paediatric occupational therapist (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities. In occupational therapy, these activities are called “occupations” and include things like getting dressed, holding a pencil, eating, playing, and managing a school day.

OTs work with children who have sensory processing differences, developmental delays, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia (also known as DCD), cerebral palsy, and other conditions that affect how they learn and move through the world. They assess what a child finds difficult and design a programme to build the skills that make daily life easier.

A private paediatric OT will typically offer assessment sessions, individual therapy, parent coaching, home programmes, and written reports for schools or EHCP applications. Some OTs also attend school meetings or provide training for teachers and support staff.

Many parents come to OT after noticing that their child is struggling with things their peers seem to find easy. There is no single list of signs, but some common reasons families seek an OT assessment include:

Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as holding a pencil, using scissors, doing up buttons, or managing cutlery. Sensory sensitivities that affect eating, dressing, managing noise at school, or tolerating different textures. Poor balance, coordination, or body awareness leading to frequent trips or difficulty with physical play. Struggles with self-care routines such as washing, dressing independently, or organising a school bag. Difficulty with focus, organisation, or transitions between activities, particularly in children with ADHD or autism. Emotional regulation difficulties that may have a sensory root.

If your child has an existing diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, or DCD, an OT assessment can identify the specific areas of daily life where they need practical, targeted support.

NHS paediatric OT services vary significantly across the UK, and waiting times can be long. For many families the NHS route involves a referral from a GP, health visitor, or paediatrician, followed by a wait for assessment and then a further wait for therapy. In some areas, children are discharged after a short block of sessions, leaving families without ongoing support.

Private occupational therapy removes the waiting time. You do not need a GP referral to access a private OT, and most practitioners can offer appointments within a few weeks. Many families start with a private assessment to get a clear picture of their child’s needs, then use the report to support EHCP applications, school meetings, or NHS referrals.

If your child already has an EHCP that specifies OT as a provision, your local authority has a legal duty to fund it. It is worth reading the plan carefully to check what is already in place and what you are entitled to.

Private occupational therapy costs vary depending on the practitioner, their location, and the type of session. Individual therapy sessions typically cost between £70 and £150 per hour. Initial assessments, which include observation, standardised testing, and a written report, often cost more, with many practitioners charging between £300 and £600 depending on the depth of the assessment.

Some OTs charge separately for reports written for schools or EHCP applications. Always ask what is included before booking so there are no surprises.

If your child has an EHCP that specifies OT provision, the local authority should fund the sessions named in the plan. Some health insurance policies also cover paediatric OT, so it is worth checking your policy documents.

All practitioners listed on The SEND List set their own fees. Many are happy to discuss pricing directly and some offer a free initial phone consultation.

A private OT assessment is a structured process designed to understand your child’s strengths and the specific areas where they find everyday tasks difficult.

At the start, the OT will spend time talking with you about your child’s history, your concerns, and what daily life looks like at home and school. They may ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales before the appointment.

During the session, the OT will observe your child and carry out a combination of structured activities and standardised assessments. These might include tasks involving fine motor skills, balance and coordination, sensory responses, and daily living activities. A good OT will take a warm, play-based approach so the session feels as natural as possible for your child.

After the assessment you will receive a written report detailing findings, a profile of your child’s strengths and needs, and practical recommendations. This report can be shared with schools, used to support an EHCP application, or used to guide a therapy programme.

Yes. For private occupational therapy, you can refer your child directly without a GP or paediatrician referral. Most private OTs have a simple enquiry or booking process on their website, or will take a phone call from a parent.

For NHS occupational therapy, the referral route depends on your local area. Some NHS services accept self-referrals from parents, while others require a referral from a GP, school SENCo, or health visitor. It is worth contacting your local NHS children’s OT service directly to ask about their process.

If your child has an EHCP that names OT as a provision, you can request that your local authority arrange and fund those sessions. Your EHCP case worker or SEND officer can advise on how to access what has been agreed in the plan.

The number of sessions your child needs will depend on the goals identified in their assessment. There is no fixed rule, and a good OT will review progress regularly and adjust the plan as your child develops.

Many OTs work in blocks of sessions, often between six and ten, with a review at the end of each block. Some children benefit from intensive input over a shorter period, while others do better with regular sessions over a longer time. Home programmes, where parents carry out activities between sessions, are often a central part of OT support and can make a significant difference to outcomes.

For children with complex needs, OT may be part of an ongoing support plan that runs alongside school provision or other therapies. Your OT will always be transparent about their recommendations and involve you in decisions about the pace and length of support.