Who are the Physiotherapists?

Paediatric Physiotherapists are Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy who work specifically with children as part of a team of other children's specialists. This team is based at a Child Development Centre.

What is special about a children's Physiotherapist?

Children's Physiotherapists have specific experience and knowledge of working with children. They will have undertaken relevant courses and/ or worked alongside other Paediatric Physiotherapists in a number of settings e.g. schools and nurseries.

Where do they work?

When a child is very young, the Physiotherapists may see them at home, at nursery or at a Child Development Centre depending on what is most appropriate.

Assessment

Assessment describes a process of evaluation. The Physiotherapist does need the parents' help with this process. The Physiotherapist will need to find out whether the parents have any particular concerns, what these concerns are, what the child can and cannot do and how well they do things. There will also be practical issues to learn about; what other commitments do they have as parents and families and what the child's schedule is. In the early years parents will be the best source of information but as their child grows he/she will be able to join in.

Assessment is an interactive process and knowledge obtained during the assessment process is used to plan for the child. As well as observing, the Physiotherapist will want to hold and examine the child - for example to find out whether movement is equal on both sides of the body and whether it feels the same and how this alters as he/she moves and plays. Assessment doesn't stop after the initial assessment but is ongoing and will influence how the goals are set for the child.

Reports

As a parent it is useful to have written reports on their child's physical development and also short and long-term goals. Some families like to build up a file of these reports, others just like to know they exist for others to use. It is important for the parents and later for the child to know about and be able to see these reports. The Physiotherapist will try to use everyday terms when they explain things to the parents. However, there are medical terms that are sometimes used especially in written reports. Parents are encouraged to ask if they don't understand a specialist term.

Physical Development Programme

The child's Physiotherapist will explain to the parents how the child's development might be affected and will work with them to plan a programme of physical development. This activity programme will look at particular difficulties and help parents to work towards achievable short-term physical goals. Many parts of a physical development programme for the child can be done through play. The Physiotherapist will want parents to play with their child in various positions and situations.

Physiotherapy is not just about exercises - it is a combination of handling, movement, stimulation and play. Physiotherapy aims to be a time of fun and interaction between parent and child. It should be possible to build it into all the ways that you hold and handle and play with their child throughout the day.

Review Process

It is important for the child's progress to be recorded. In this way realistic goals can be set, problems can be identified and any adjustments can be made. The physical activity programme will need to be discussed and altered from time to time. Often this will be because goals have been achieved. At other times it may be necessary to reset the goals to change the activities. As usual, the parents will be part of this process.

These members of staff are responsible for the assessment and treatment of children from ages of 0 to 19 years, with disabilities and conditions in the Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset area.

We are continuing to provide therapy services in various ways to meet the needs of the children under our care. We are currently providing telephone, video and face to face consultations/assessments for out-patients depending on individual needs.

Children are seen in various locations according to their needs and adherence to Covid-19 measures. The majority of children needing face to face therapy are seen at the Child Development Centre. For some children, school/nursery and on occasions home visits may be required. These are arranged and risk assessed on an individual basis.

For further information or any questions please contact the therapy team on 0300 019 2936 or to discuss your appointment please call the admin team on 0300 019 2121.

For regular updates, news and further information, you can follow us on Facebook by searching for our name @CTSPoole or using this link: www.facebook.com/CTSPoole/

Follow the links for more information:

• ASD OT Service
• Children's Occupational Therapy
• Children's Physiotherapy
• Fundraising
• Handouts for Parents
• Meet the Team
• Neonatal Therapy Service
• Referral Criteria for Professionals
• Preparing for Adulthood
• Useful Links

Poole Hospital Children’s Therapy Services are pleased to offer the following full day and twilight training courses:

Safe Handling Of Children

Ensure your staff are safe and have the necessary skills to handle children who require physical assistance.

Full day introductory course

This course is recommended for all staff who support children with a physical disability and covers current legislation, care of your back and risk assessment as well as teaching practical techniques and the use of safe handling equipment.

Refresher twilight session

All staff who have attended a full day introductory course should attend an annual refresher to practice techniques and to be updated with current safe handling requirements.

Course dates:

Currently all courses are being postponed, we will rearrange as soon as possible. Please check back later for dates.

Full day course:

Cost: £120

Refresher course:

Cost: £30

(12 places on each course)

Learning through the senses: A teachers guide

This session is suitable for staff working with all ages of children who may present with sensory difficulties. It will develop your understanding of how sensory difficulties may impact on a child’s learning and development within the classroom setting and teach you strategies to help. There will be some equipment available to try and plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss your experiences with staff.

Course dates: Please check back later for dates.

Cost: £30

(20 places on each course)

Motor co-ordination in children

A hands-on approach to support development of motor skills in children of all ages, suitable for new staff or staff wishing to update their knowledge. The session will include a basic overview of developmental skills and practical activities that can be used with all ages of children. Equipment will be on display to try and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and advice.

Course dates: Please check back later for dates.

Cost: £30

(20 places on each course)

Handwritting advice

This session is suitable for staff working with younger children. The session will include advice on developmental stages of mark making, positioning, pencil grips and letter formation.

Course dates: Please check back later for dates.

Cost: £30

(20 places on each course)

All courses are held at the Child Development Centre, Poole Hospital and are led by qualified, experienced therapists.

A certificate of course attendance will be provided.

To book a place:

Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to register your interest and book a place on any of the above courses. Please include the following in your email:

Subject: TWILIGHT COURSE: The course title and date

In the email: your name, school, contact details and how many places you would like to book

Once your email has been received we will reserve a place for you and email back a booking form and payment instructions. Your place(s) will not be confirmed until payment is received.

On receipt of booking form and payment we will email confirmation and course information. Please note that the course will only run if sufficient people book and pay in advance.

There is a multi-storey car park at Poole Hospital so candidates need to bring money for parking.

If you require any further information on any of the above please contact Children’s Therapy Services on 0300 019 2936 and leave a message saying it is about "twilight training"or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with "Twilight training" in the subject line.

The Children's Physiotherapy team based at Poole Hospital provides a physiotherapy service to children from birth to the age of 16. We are a team of paediatric physiotherapists offering tailored individualised treatment. This may be on the children's ward, in outpatient clinics or on the children's unit. We have a varied staff skill mix with a wide range of specialisms within the field of paediatric physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We are based in the Child Development Centre but work across Poole Hospital.

Our aim is to help with the restoration of movement and function when a child is affected by injury, illness or disability in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Our musculoskeletal physiotherapy service offers quality care that fits around you. Your child can be referred to our service by a GP, Consultant of any Specialist Health Professional or consultant. We treat babies with hip dysplasia, obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), plagiocephaly, and torticollis and young children with developmental presentations and gait concerns, such as in-toeing. Our physiotherapists treat older children and teenagers following injuries such as fractures, as well as biomechanical conditions like knee pain, back pain and hypermobility. Our Specialist Physio’s also have expert skills in the management of the following conditions; 

• Persistent/complex pain
• Juveline Arthritis and Rheumatology Conditions
• Haemophilia
• Oncology Rehab
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Asthma
• Respiratory issues

To find out more about our services or advice on your condition, please click on the links below:

• Patient information leaflets
• Exercise classes
• Local children's activities
• Hydrotherapy (PDF Document)
• Respiratory/Cystic Fibrosis Information

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