Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you are not yet sure what your child needs. At Jenga, we aim to make the process clear, comfortable and collaborative from the very beginning. Every child is different, so their journey with us will be individually tailored to their needs, abilities and goals.
1. Getting in Touch
Your journey usually starts with a conversation. You can contact us to tell us a little about your child, your concerns and what has brought you to Jenga. You do not need to know whether your child requires physiotherapy, occupational therapy or a specific assessment—we can help guide you towards the most appropriate starting point.
If your child has relevant medical reports, previous therapy reports, school reports or assessment results, these can be helpful for us to review.
2. Initial Assessment
The first appointment usually involves an assessment to help us understand your child's strengths, challenges and functional abilities. We will discuss your concerns, your child's developmental and medical history and the activities they may be finding difficult.Assessment is adapted to the child's age and needs and may include clinical observation, play and functional activities, movement assessment and standardised assessment tools where appropriate.For younger children, much of the assessment takes place through play and observation so that we can see how they naturally move and interact.
3. Discussing the Findings
Following the assessment, we will discuss what we have observed and explain the findings in a way that is clear and practical for families.
Together, we identify the areas where support may be helpful and discuss the most appropriate next steps. This may include regular therapy, a short period of targeted intervention, a home programme, school-based support, further assessment or referral to another professional where appropriate.
Not every child who comes for an assessment will necessarily require ongoing therapy.
4. Setting Meaningful Goals
If therapy is recommended, goals are developed together with the child and family. We focus on goals that are functional and meaningful in everyday life rather than simply working towards improvements on a test or exercise.
For one child this may mean learning to crawl or walk independently; for another it might be keeping up on the playground, improving handwriting, managing stairs, participating in PE, getting dressed independently or returning to sport.
5. Individual Therapy
Therapy sessions are tailored to your child's individual goals and are designed to be active, engaging and age appropriate. For younger children, therapy is often incorporated into play, games and movement activities. Older children are encouraged to become increasingly involved in understanding and working towards their own goals.Depending on your child's needs, therapy may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy or a combination of different approaches. Where appropriate, we may also collaborate with teachers, doctors and other professionals involved in your child's care.
6. Supporting Progress at Home
Therapy does not stop when your child leaves the clinic. Parents and caregivers are given practical strategies and activities that can be incorporated into everyday routines.
We aim to keep home recommendations realistic and manageable, helping families create opportunities for practice through play and everyday activities rather than simply providing a long list of exercises.
7. Reviewing Progress
Your child's progress is reviewed throughout their therapy journey. Goals and treatment plans may be adapted as your child develops, achieves new skills or their priorities change.
Where appropriate, we may recommend reassessment or repeat standardised testing to objectively measure progress and help determine the next stage of therapy.
Our aim is for families to understand where we are starting, what we are working towards and why. By working together with the child, family and other important people in their life, we aim to make therapy a positive experience that builds skills, confidence and greater independence.
