Occupational therapy - do kids actually get it??

[46SB]

My son is 6 with autism and lots of sensory issues. He’s got an EHCP and the LA have finally agreed to direct 1:1 OT for him. We’re looking at moving schools from mainstream to specialist as his mainstream have admitted they can’t meet his needs. Has anyone got any experience in specialist as to whether the LA can and do provide OT? We’ve anecdotally heard they are so short of OT’s that kids just don’t get the OT even if it’s in the EHCP. We’re in Surrey. So grateful for any advice TIA

[abc12345]

It’s the same here, you can’t get an OT whatever you do... unless you pay for it...

[MissMiserable]

If its in the EHCP they must provide it.

[abc12345]

They must provide it if it’s in a EHCP but if they’ve used words like “up to 10 hours” then they can get out of it. They also try to get out of it by saying they take hours off for preparing/ report writing etc.
I’ve given up trying to fight with them and just see a really lovely experienced private one that actually makes a difference (£70 per hour) once every half term and she gives us and school a program of stuff to do

[hazeyjane]

You wouldn't happen to be in a Virgincare area, would you?

[abc12345]

I don’t think so our ot should come from bucks nhs

[hazeyjane]

I only ask because the op is in Surrey, which I thought might be Surrey. IME, under Virgincare, OTs don't provide advice or support of Sensory issues.