The lady at the shoe shop today asked if dd had ever considered orthotics

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I'm not even sure what they are

I know she has awkward feet so we went to a push shop to get some non school shoes ( wide foot very high instep)

Oh she HAS got a high instep said the assistant. She can't wear flat shoes without a strap and she rolls her foot.

She said she might not need them especially as she is doing lots if foot strengthening excercises at ballet.

Where do you get them from? How much do they cost? What do they do?

Hi. You are probably better asking your GP to refer her to the orthotics dept at the hospital. They can assess her properly and will probably give exercises and may give her insoles that are specially made for her as they take moulds in order to get them exactly right.

Orthotics are specially made insoles. Your doctor can refer your daughter to a podiatrist on the NHS, who will supply the insoles if needed. Both me and two of my children have them.