If you are wondering whether your child needs extra help with everyday tasks, you are not alone. Many families and schools in Cornwall and Devon look to paediatric occupational therapy when handwriting is a daily battle, dressing takes far too long, or sensory overwhelm leads to regular meltdowns. This guide explains when to seek support, what a private assessment with Waves OT involves, how we work alongside NHS services, typical timelines and costs, and how to book before the autumn term rush.
Signs a child may benefit from paediatric OT
You do not need a diagnosis to seek help. Consider an occupational therapy assessment if you notice:
- Handwriting struggles: slow writing, pain or fatigue, poor pencil grip, messy layout, difficulty copying from the board, or letters of uneven size and spacing.
- Sensory processing differences: regular meltdowns linked to noise, crowds, clothing textures, smells, or lunch hall bustle; seeking intense movement; difficulty sitting still; avoidance of messy play.
- Dressing and feeding challenges: fastenings feel impossible, socks and shoes cause distress, cutlery use is tricky, or meals are limited by texture or sensory sensitivity.
- Coordination and balance issues: frequent trips and bumps, difficulty learning to ride a bike, catching and throwing problems, tiring quickly in PE, or challenges with motor planning.
- Everyday independence hurdles: organisation for school, managing school bags and lockers, using zips and buttons, or keeping pace with classroom routines.
If these difficulties affect confidence, wellbeing, or school participation, an early assessment can prevent small hurdles from becoming bigger barriers.
How to get an OT assessment in Cornwall or Devon
You can contact Waves OT directly. Private occupational therapy accepts self referrals from parents and carers, as well as referrals from schools, GPs, case managers, and other professionals. We work across Cornwall and Devon with clinic appointments in Truro, and we offer home and school visits where appropriate.
If you are based in Plymouth and looking for a local option, many families search for ‘occupational therapist Plymouth’ when exploring private pathways and then arrange appointments with our team. You can also speak to your GP or school about the NHS Children’s Occupational Therapy service. Private and NHS services can run in parallel, which often reduces waiting and provides complementary support.
What happens during a private OT assessment
Waves OT follows a child-centred, evidence-based pathway designed to be thorough and reassuring.
- Pre-assessment questionnaires
We ask parents, carers, and, where relevant, teachers to complete brief questionnaires. These help us understand strengths, priorities, and daily routines before we meet your child. - Liaison with home and school
We gather perspectives from the adults who know your child best. With consent, we speak with teachers or SENCOs to understand classroom demands and what has been tried. - Choice of setting
Assessments can take place in our Truro clinic, at home, or in school. Some children show their best abilities in familiar spaces, while others benefit from a quiet clinic room. - Observation and functional activities
We observe everyday tasks that matter to your child, such as handwriting, dressing skills, play, or PE-related movement. We are looking for patterns, not perfection, and we explain what we notice in plain language. - Standardised tools where appropriate
Depending on your child’s needs, we may use recognised assessments to benchmark skills. These can include motor coordination measures such as Movement ABC 2, visual motor integration tasks, and handwriting speed or legibility tools. If sensory processing is a key concern, we can provide EASI (The Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration) assessments in Truro to understand how sensory inputs affect participation. - Clear, written plan with measurable goals
You receive a structured report that explains findings, sets measurable goals, and provides practical strategies for home and school. We can provide a feedback call or meeting to talk through the plan, next steps and whether therapy sessions, school strategies, or a review is the best route.
How private OT complements NHS services
Private occupational therapy can provide faster access, choice of location, and tailored coaching for families and school staff. Many families remain on an NHS waiting list while working with us, then share our report to inform the NHS assessment when it takes place. This joined-up approach avoids duplication and helps everyone move in the same direction.
We follow evidence-informed practice and maintain HCPC and RCOT registration. Waves OT clinicians are HCPC registered and members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. This assures ethical practice, safeguarding, and ongoing professional development.
Typical timelines and what to expect after booking
- Enquiry and triage: We respond to new enquiries and gather a brief history, usually within a few working days.
- Scheduling: Appointment availability varies by season. Summer and early autumn book quickly due to school planning, so early enquiries are recommended.
- Assessment appointment: Commonly 90 to 120 minutes, depending on age and needs.
- Report and plan: Written recommendations are typically shared within an agreed timeframe after the assessment. If school input is needed, we factor in term dates and teacher availability.
- Follow-up: Options include therapy sessions, school consultation, parent coaching, or a review appointment to monitor progress.
Indicative pricing and travel
Our fees reflect the time involved in preparation, assessment, analysis, and reporting. As a guide, private assessments typically start from around £350 for a handwriting or DCD assessment, with therapy sessions from £90 per hour. For a detailed quote tailored to your child and location, please contact us.
Can you self refer to a private OT
Yes. You can contact Waves OT directly to request an assessment, without a GP referral. Schools and case managers can also commission assessments. If you need a formal report to support school planning or an Education, Health and Care Plan, please let us know at the outset so we can align the assessment to your aims.
Questions answered, at a glance
- When should a child see a paediatric occupational therapist
If daily tasks like handwriting, dressing, feeding, coordination, or regulation are causing distress, falls behind peers, or hold back learning and confidence, it is time to seek an OT assessment. - How do I get an OT assessment for my child in Cornwall or Devon
Self refer to Waves OT, ask your school SENCO to contact us, or speak with your GP. Private and NHS pathways can run side by side. - What happens during a private OT assessment
Questionnaires, liaison with home and school, observation of functional tasks, standardised tools where helpful, and a clear written plan with measurable goals. - Can I self refer to a private OT
Yes, families can self refer. Schools and professionals can also commission assessments. - How much does a private OT assessment cost
From approximately £350 for a handwriting or DCD assessment, with therapy sessions from £90 per hour.
How to book an assessment or school visit
- Call 01872 301447, or use the contact form on our website to request a call back.
- Share your key concerns, preferred location, and any deadlines such as transition points, EHCP timelines, or school reviews.
- If sensory processing is the main concern, ask about Truro sensory processing evaluation options using EASI (The Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration) based tools.
- Schools can book visits for individual pupils or request consultancy for staff strategies ahead of the new term.
If handwriting is a priority, we also offer detailed assessment options. You can read more about the detailed assessment of speed of handwriting test in Truro to understand how timing and legibility are measured and how results inform classroom support.
Why choose Waves OT
- Child centred and family inclusive approach that fits real life.
- Evidence based tools and practical strategies that schools can implement quickly.
- HCPC and RCOT registration, DBS checked, and experienced in working across Cornwall and Devon.
- Flexible settings, including clinic in Truro, home, and school visits.
Summary and next steps
If your child is struggling with handwriting, sensory overload, dressing and feeding, or coordination, early support can make school and home life calmer and more confident. A private assessment with Waves OT provides a clear picture of strengths and needs, a practical plan with measurable goals, and joined-up support with school and NHS services where helpful. Appointments for late summer and early autumn fill quickly, so enquire now to arrange private paediatric assessments and school visits before the new term gets busy.
Ready to talk through your child’s needs or plan a school visit
Call 01872 301447 or visit our website to request an OT assessment Truro, and we will be in touch to arrange the next steps