Independent physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Independent therapy (sometimes also known as private therapy) is provision and services that are purchased by yourself or other commissioners from companies or providers that are not providing NHS services.

Can my child have independent physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as their NHS therapy?

Yes, your child is entitled to NHS services on the same basis of clinical need as any other child, even if they also receive independently funded physiotherapy or occupational therapy or both.

Independent physiotherapists or occupational therapists may be able to offer your child more frequent appointments or see them sooner than your child’s NHS therapist. If you feel this would be beneficial to your child, you may want to consider an independent therapist. Your NHS therapist cannot recommend a specific independent therapist, but there is guidance available from the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists about independent physiotherapy for children.

There is also guidance available from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (APCP) about independent occupational therapy.

Should I tell my child’s therapists about each other?

Yes, it is important that both NHS and independent therapists communicate with each other about your child’s care. Your child will benefit from joint working in relation to their needs and outcomes. If you help your child’s therapists to work together it will enhance your child’s therapy.

You can do this by consenting to them sharing information about your child and sharing contact details such as telephone numbers or email addresses.

Be aware that there may be some restrictions about how your child’s therapists can share information about your child for example, not all email addresses are secure, social media is not an appropriate forum to share patient details etc.

Your child’s therapists should follow these by the APCP guidelines for communication in relation to working together for the benefit of your child.

What information should they share?

Your child’s therapists should share therapy reports, goals, treatment plans and outcomes to allow discussion between therapists to agree management programmes.

Can my child’s therapists see my child together?

Yes. A joint visit by both NHS and independent therapists to see you child at the same time can sometimes be very helpful, to resolve a particular challenge, or agree a new treatment plan. Be aware that your child’s NHS therapist may not have as much time or flexibility in their diary to be able to do this at short notice or as frequently as your child’s independent therapist.

My child is being assessed for an Education, Health, Care Plan (EHCP). Which therapist should I ask to write the report?

You should let the local authority know that your child has two therapists and provide them with the contact details for both. You should do this at the time you request an assessment or where your SENCO or other professional requests on your behalf. If this does not happen, you should alert your local authority when your Inclusion Officer calls you about your child’s case. If your child’s therapists are already in communication with each other, it would be best practice for them to write a report jointly.

Your child’s therapists may have different views about your child’s outcome and the provision to meet your child’s needs. In NHS services, it is usual for therapy to be delivered by assistants, school staff or parents and carers at home. An independent therapist may offer to deliver therapy themselves at a higher frequency or longer sessions than the NHS offer. Make sure you understand the reason for this and how it will help your child achieve their outcomes.

What is the benefit of my independent and NHS therapist working together?

There are many positives that result when your therapy providers work together. One of the key benefits is that the support your child needs is more likely to be delivered in a consistent way that results in better outcomes for your child.

My child needs specialist equipment to support their needs. Which therapist should I ask?

Your child is entitled to specialist equipment which meets their clinical needs, at the lowest cost to the NHS. This means that more expensive options may be available but cannot be supplied through the NHS if a cheaper option meets your child’s needs. You should ask your child’s NHS therapist what equipment your child is entitled to.

In the NHS, equipment is prescribed through the Community Equipment Service. All equipment provided in this way needs to be assessed for by the NHS therapist and should only be adjusted by them or with their consent. An independent therapist should not assess for or adjust this equipment.

NHS therapists are not responsible for equipment which is purchased independently, but they can support you in considering specialist options above and beyond the NHS offer.

Can my child’s therapists go to my child’s school?

Where appropriate, your child’s NHS therapist will contact and visit school. They will communicate and work with the education staff supporting your child. They should be involved in your child’s annual review (if they have an EHCP) and contribute to setting relevant and impactful outcomes.

It is very important that your child’s independent therapist works with your child’s NHS therapist when contacting or visiting your child’s school. This is so the staff receive consistent information about your child, their therapy goals and the therapy provision which needs to take place in school.