Occupational Therapy Referral Documentation

Before making a referral to Occupational Therapy, it’s important to consider what support has already been tried. The information in the self-help guide can support you with this, offering practical strategies to try at home or in school. Gathering relevant information and exploring these approaches can help meet the child’s needs and ensure referrals are made when specialist input is needed.

Before making a referral

Before asking for a referral to Occupational Therapy, it’s important to try support at home or in your child’s setting. The self-help guide can give you practical ideas to support your child’s everyday skills, such as dressing, eating, learning and play. Many children improve with simple strategies and routine changes. Trying these first helps make sure a referral is needed.

Before making an occupational therapy referral the Ordinarily Available Provision should have been accessed and implemented for at least three months.

Please provide evidence of this when making your referral, which should detail the challenges in everyday activities.

Evidence should include at least two of these:

Get advice and support

You can contact the Occupational Therapy helpline for advice:

Monday to Thursday, 13:00–16:00
Call 0300 247 0025 (option 5)

The helpline is available to talk through concerns and suggest practical strategies.

If you need to refer

Parents and carers can make a referral, or this can be done by a professional working with your child. You may be asked to share information about your child’s difficulties and what has already been tried.

Need more help?

If you have questions about referrals, appointments or EHCPs, please contact the service on 0300 247 0025

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