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Pre-school resource pack

This resource pack provides ideas for parents and pre-school staff to help children practise and develop their skills before a referral to occupational therapy is considered.

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About this pack

This pack is designed to support children with identified delays in their functional and fine motor skills. It provides practical strategies that can be used at home and in early years settings.

It is intended as a general guide and should be used to help develop your child’s skills before a referral to occupational therapy is considered.

When to contact the occupational therapy service

Please speak to a health professional or contact the occupational therapy team if:

  • Your child’s needs appear more complex than the strategies provided in this pack
  • Your child has a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy, which may affect which strategies are appropriate
  • Your child has a degenerative condition and their needs are changing quickly
  • You have safety concerns about any of the suggested activities or equipment

By offering support and advice at a universal level, we aim to provide more targeted services for children with more complex needs.

How to use the pack

  • Many of the activities can be built into your child’s daily routine at home or in nursery.
  • Strategies can be used in group settings and may also benefit children without additional needs.
  • Activities should be carried out for at least three months to allow time for progress.

If you feel that your child needs further support after using the pack for three months, please contact the health professional who originally referred you to occupational therapy and ask them to make a re-referral.

If your child is accepted into the occupational therapy service, please bring your completed pack to your appointment. This helps the therapist understand what you have already tried and where further support may be needed — for example, with cutlery use or dressing skills.

Resource pack

To begin using the pack:

  1. Identify which areas your child is finding difficult by using the drop down menu below.
  2. Refer to the relevant worksheet and resources to try the suggested strategies.

Equipment

Some worksheets may suggest equipment to support your child’s development. Please note:

  • This equipment is not funded by the NHS and would need to be purchased privately by parents or carers.
  • The items listed are suggestions only and not an exhaustive list. You may wish to explore other retailers for alternatives.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any equipment.

If you have concerns about affordability, please speak to your health visitor or social worker for advice on financial support.