Early Years Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy

The Early Years Team works with pre-school children and babies in the Sheffield area. We see a variety of children with and without a formal medical diagnosis, from those with a delay in their motor development to children with more complex needs such as cerebral palsy and syndromes (including Down’s syndrome).

Our aim is to ensure that every child achieves their full potential in everyday life. We do this by devising a tailored therapy plan that is designed to meet the particular needs and goals of each child and their family. We look at a child’s physical development and their gross motor (movement of legs and body) and fine motor (movement of arms, hands and fingers) skills.

We are innovative and creative and keep up to date with the latest research to introduce new and improved techniques into our therapy.

We are currently expanding the Sheffield Sensory Service to meet the needs of younger children with sensory processing needs. There are lots of resources available for any family with a child who has sensory processing difficulties on our webpage.. The Early Years Team is now able to accept referrals for children who have significant sensory processing needs, where this is having an impact on their daily life.

The team

The team is based in the therapy block at the Ryegate Children’s Centre and includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, equipment co-ordinators, technicians and therapy assistants. We have a wealth of experience and an excellent reputation for patient care. Meet the team here.

We work closely with the doctors, nurses and other specialist therapists based at the centre.

Links with other services

We liaise with colleagues in other services that you may be involved with, for example Portage, the Early Years Inclusion Service and wheelchair services.

Our therapists work closely with the team in the neonatal unit at the Jessop Wing to support babies who are born prematurely or who are unwell. We work together to provide a link for families who transfer from the Jessop Wing to the Early Years Service.

When your child is ready to go to school, if they still need therapy we will plan a transition to the Mainstream Schools or Special School Teams.

Referrals

Your child can be referred to our service by their GP, hospital consultant, health visitor or a therapy or educational professional. Referrers can discuss referrals with a therapist by telephoning 0114 271 7610 or 0114 271 7622.

What to expect

At your first appointment a therapist will assess your child’s needs and talk about what you’d like to achieve. You’ll then create a therapy plan together which will involve working towards the goals that you and your child have identified.

After the initial appointment, therapy may consist of individual sessions, attending specially run groups or treatment in the hydrotherapy pool. The sessions aim to help your child achieve their therapy goals through play.

Treatment sessions will often be at Ryegate but we may also see your child at home or nursery if it is more relevant to see them in their own environment.

We will also give you advice on activities you can practise with your child at home.

Specialised clinics

The team runs a number of specialised clinics at Ryegate and in the community that aim to help children achieve their therapy goals. We also run several groups.

Useful resources

We have gathered a number of useful resources for parents and professionals – view them on our Resources page.