Guide for Parents: Suspecting your child has
Gross Motor Difficulties

Understanding Gross Motor Difficulties

Gross motor difficulties involve challenges with movements that use large muscle groups, affecting abilities such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, and jumping. Recognising early signs is crucial for timely intervention and support.

Please refer to the flow chart below for a summary of the things you can do to support your child with gross motor difficulties, followed by a colour coded detailed information box for each stage of the journey.

Identifying signs of gross motor difficulties

Common signs to watch for:
•	Delayed milestones (e.g. not sitting up, crawling, or walking at expected ages)
https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Child-Development-Dont-Delay-The-Play-Poster-27-June-2022-1024x724.png 

•	Unusual movements or posture
•	Difficulty with balance and coordination
•	Frequent tripping or falling
•	Trouble with tasks like climbing stairs, running, or jumping

	

	

What you can do - first steps

Keep a record of your child's physical activities:
Note any difficulties observed, specific incidents or patterns that raise concern.

Consult with Your Child’s Teacher:
Discuss what you have noticed with your child’s teacher or caregiver to gather additional insights and observations.

Encourage Play:
Engage your child in play activities that promote movement and coordination, such as ball games, going out for walks, visiting parks, climbing, dancing and bike rides.

Look at ideas for activities you can do at home to encourage gross motor development by clicking on the link below:
https://www.youthsporttrust.org/media/21dczrbr/lead-inclusion-school-activities.pdf 

Click on the link below for activities to support Gross Motor skills for handwriting:
https://bso.bradford.gov.uk/userfiles/file/Learning%20Support%20Service/PD/Advice%20sheet%20for%20home%20Gross%20Motor%202022.pdf

Seeking Professional Advice

Contact Your GP:
Schedule an appointment with your family doctor or GP.
Bring your observations and notes to discuss your concerns in detail.

Health Visitor Consultation:
For children under 5, health visitors can provide valuable advice and initial assessments.
Health visitors can guide you on whether further specialist assessment is needed.

Your GP may refer to Specialists:

Paediatrician:
Your GP may refer your child to a paediatrician for a thorough assessment.
The paediatrician will assess your child's development and may order further tests if necessary.

Physiotherapist:
If gross motor difficulties are suspected, a physiotherapist specialising in children can provide a detailed assessment. They can develop a personalised intervention plan to support your child’s motor development. 

For Airedale, click on the following link: https://www.airedale-trust.nhs.uk/service/therapies/childrens-therapies/ 

Bradford, click on the following link:
Taken from the Bradford Physiotherapy website (children under Airedale Health Authority will be managed by Airedale Physiotherapists using different interventions:                     If you are concerned about your child’s movement and co-ordination you could ask their school to assess them using FUNMOVES. FUNMOVES is a research project being undertaken by Born In Bradford which our team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists are involved with. https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/childrens-therapy/physiotherapy-2/#Coord
Often children struggle with some activities through lack practice or opportunity to repeat the activity. The following resources will help you work with your child on the activities they may struggle with.
•	FUNMOVES Flyer
•	Changing everyday routines to improve fundamental movement skills
For more information on FUNMOVES visit their website.

Additional Support Services and Resources
Local Children's Centres:
Offer support and resources for parents and children.
Provide access to health visitors and early years practitioners.

Educational Support:
Contact your child’s school to discuss any concerns and explore available support services.
Schools can arrange for assessments and interventions through special educational needs coordinators (SENCO).

Parent Support Groups:
Connect with local support groups for parents of children with similar difficulties.
Bradford Parents and Young People Partnership Service (SENDIASS): 
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/services/bradford-sendiass 

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Structured Exercises:
Follow advice from physiotherapists or occupational therapists on specific exercises to practice at home.

Regular Check-Ins:
Maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals to monitor your child’s progress.

Adjust Interventions:
Be open to adjusting activities based on your child’s needs and progress.

Other Useful Resources and Support in Bradford and Airedale
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust:
Offers services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy for children.
Contact: Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Teaching and Support Service (StaSS):
The Physical Needs Team sit within this service and provide assessment and recommendations to SENDCo’s for CYP, of nursery and school age, whose physical needs are impacting on their access to the curriculum. Advice for parents to support their child’s fine motor skills can be found on the Physical Needs Team web page by clicking on the link below and scrolling down the page to Parent Advice:
https://bso.bradford.gov.uk/content/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/0-25-specialist-teaching-and-support-service-stass/sensory-and-physical-needs-service/physical-and-medical-team#Resources 

Bradford Parents and Young People Partnership Service (SENDIASS):
Provides support and advice for parents and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/services/bradford-sendiass