NHS Children’s Therapies

NHS Children's Therapies provide specialist support for children and young people whose health, development or SEND affects their everyday life.

Different therapy services support different needs. This page explains what each service does and signposts to further information about support, referrals and resources.

On this page

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Dietetics

• Finding the right therapy service

• NHS Children's Therapies and Cognus Therapies - what's the difference

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapists support children and young people who have difficulties with:

• Speech sounds

• Understanding language

• Using language

• Communication and interaction

• Social communication

• Swallowing and feeding difficulties

Find out more about Children's Speech and Language Therapy [External Link]

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists help children and young people develop the skills they need for everyday activities and independence.

This may include support with:

• Fine motor skills

• Handwriting

• Dressing and self-care

• Participation in school activities

• Sensory differences

• Everyday living skills

Find out more about Children's Occupational Therapy [External Link]

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists support children and young people who have difficulties with movement, mobility and physical development.

This may include support with:

• Balance and coordination

• Strength and posture

• Mobility

• Physical development

• Gross motor skills

Find out more about Children's Physiotherapy [External Link]

Dietetics

Dietitians provide specialist support for children and young people who have difficulties with eating, drinking, feeding or nutrition.

This may include:

• Nutrition concerns

• Restricted diets

• Feeding difficulties

• Weight management

• Complex health needs affecting eating and drinking

• Specialist feeding methods

Find out more about Children's Dietetics [External Link]

Finding the Right Therapy Service

If you are unsure which therapy service may be appropriate for your child or young person, speak to:

• Your GP

• Health Visitor

• School Nurse

• SENCO

• Community Paediatrician

• Another healthcare professional involved in your child's care

They can discuss your concerns and advise whether a referral to a therapy service may be helpful.

For general information about NHS Children's Therapies, referral pathways and available support, visit the Sutton Health and Care Children's Therapies website [External Link]

NHS Children's Therapies and Cognus Therapies

Some families may also hear about Cognus Therapies.

Although both services provide therapy support for children and young people, they have different roles.

NHS Children's Therapies

NHS Children's Therapies are healthcare services delivered through Sutton Health and Care. They provide assessment, intervention and specialist support for children and young people who meet the criteria for NHS therapy services.

Cognus Therapies

Cognus Therapies work closely with schools and education settings to support children and young people with SEND. They provide Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy services that help children access learning and participate in education.

You may come into contact with:

• NHS Children's Therapies through a health referral pathway

• Cognus Therapies through your child's education setting or SEND support arrangements

Some children and young people may receive support from both services where appropriate.

To find out more, visit the Cognus Therapies Directory page.