FAQs

We know families often have questions – this section covers the most common ones about our services. If you can’t find what you need, we’re here to help.

Referrals and access

How do I refer my child to the service? 

Early Years  
Anyone who knows your child well (including you, a GP, Health Visitor, nursery staff, or childminder) can make a referral using our referral form.

If your child is pre-school age (has not started Reception), they must have a Greenwich GP to access the service. 

School Years 

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy: Anyone who knows your child (including you, a GP, Health Visitor, nursery staff, or childminder) can make a referral using our referral form.

Speech and Language Therapy: If your child has an EHCP and attends a Greenwich Local Authority school, they can access our service. Children without an EHCP can be referred (e.g. by you, their GP or school SENCO) if their school commissions Speech and Language Therapy from us.  

Special Schools 

If your child attends a Special School in Greenwich, we use a three-tiered approach to support students: 

  • Universal – All students benefit from this level and do not require a referral. Therapists work closely with school staff to create a supportive environment for learning and development across the curriculum. This might include training for staff, adapting the classroom environment, or providing general strategies that help all children thrive. 

  • Targeted – Some students may need extra help in specific areas. Therapists might work with small groups or provide tailored advice to staff and families to support particular needs. 

  • Specialist – For children with more complex needs, therapists provide direct, individualised support. This is usually linked to the therapy provision in their EHCP. 

If therapy is not included in your child’s EHCP and you feel their needs are not being met by the Universal or Targeted levels of therapy support in school, they can be referred for a specialist assessment. 

This can be done by you via the Single point of access team, or anyone that knows your child well (e.g. teacher, GP) . We can then discuss your child’s needs and explore the best next steps. 

My child doesn’t have a Greenwich GP. Can we still use the service? 
You may still be able to access some therapy services based in Greenwich schools. Please contact the team for advice tailored to your situation. 

What happens after a referral? 
We will send you a letter to let you know whether your child has been accepted for an assessment. 

If accepted, we’ll send you an appointment letter and email closer to the appointment date. In some cases, you may be asked to call us to book an appointment. 

Appointments and communication

How do I contact the therapy service or my child's therapist? 
You can reach us via the Single Point of Access (SPA) Team on 020 8836 8621 (option 2) or by emailing                   oxl-tr.childrenstherapies@nhs.net and we'll help direct your query. 

We don’t speak English. Can we get an interpreter? 
Yes, interpreters are available by phone, video, or in person. Please let us know in advance which languages you speak. We will arrange an interpreter to attend your appointment, they may attend in person, via video call or on the phone.  

Waiting times and appointments

How long will we wait for an appointment? 
We’re working hard and aiming for all children to be seen within the national guidelines of 18 weeks.  Sometimes the wait can be longer. There is a priority system in place and children with urgent clinical needs such as dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) will be seen sooner. 

Why has my child been discharged from our service? 

Your child may be discharged if: 

  • They’ve achieved their therapy goals 

  • Their needs are now being met by Universal Therapy support (in Special Schools) 

  • We were unable to contact you 

  • Your child missed one or more appointments 

  • You’ve moved out of Greenwich or changed to a non-Greenwich GP 

Other services and support

Who do I contact about a wheelchair?  
 Please contact Inspire Community Trust on 020 3045 5100.  

How will my information be used or shared?  
We follow data protection laws (GDPR). For details on how your information is handled, visit our policies and procedures.  

I have a question about my child’s care. Who do I ask?  
Please contact us for further support.  

We are kind, we are fair, we listen

we’re kind we’re fair we listen we care