Your child's first wheelchair or seating assessment: what to expect and what to ask

How NHS wheelchair and posture services work for young children, what happens at an assessment, and practical questions to ask about buggies, seating and everyday life.

By PURA Family Directory team · published 1 November 2026

Information only, not medical advice. Every child with PURA syndrome is different. Please talk to your child's own doctors and therapists before making decisions about their care. In an emergency call 999; for urgent advice call NHS 111. Our disclaimer.

Why posture and seating come up early

Low muscle tone (hypotonia) is one of the main features of PURA syndrome. Good supportive positioning can make it easier for a child to breathe comfortably, eat, play and communicate. The Foundation's clinician handout also lists hip dysplasia and scoliosis among the things to check for at diagnosis and at least once a year, which your child's doctors and physiotherapist will plan.

How NHS wheelchair and posture services work

Children are usually referred to the local NHS wheelchair (posture and mobility) service by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or doctor. NHS England's model service specification says services should accept referrals for children under three if their postural or mobility needs cannot be met by a normal, commercially available buggy. If a child has complex postural or medical needs, the service should consider a specialist buggy individually. In Wales, the Welsh specification says the same. Local services differ, so ask your therapist how it works in your area.

What happens at the assessment

Expect questions about your child's sitting, head control, comfort, breathing, feeding, seizures and daily routine. Expect questions about your home, car and the places you go too. The clinician will usually look at your child's posture on a mat and in different seats. Bring the equipment you already use, and photos or videos of how your child sits at home.

Questions worth asking

Will this support my child's posture now, and how will it be adjusted as they grow?

Does it fold into our car, fit through our doors, and can I lift it?

Can it take a tray, a communication device mount or a feeding pump if needed?

Who do I call for repairs, and how long do they usually take?

Is there a choice of products, and can we see or try them?

If our needs go beyond what the NHS provides, which charities might help? Whizz-Kidz, Newlife and grant-giving charities may be able to help, depending on eligibility.

Impartial advice

Living Made Easy gives impartial information about equipment. Manufacturers such as Leckey, Firefly, Etac (R82) and RMS publish product details. Their representatives often attend assessments with therapists, but the decision about what is clinically right should rest with your child's team and you.

Questions families ask

Should I buy a specialist buggy privately while we wait?

Please talk to your child's physiotherapist or OT first. Equipment that doesn't suit your child's posture can be uncomfortable or unsafe, and they may be able to speed up a referral.

Is equipment VAT-free?

Some disability equipment can be bought without VAT. GOV.UK explains the rules under 'VAT relief for disabled people'.

Sources

Checked 1 November 2026. Rules, rates and services change, so always check the latest version.

This article is part of our guide to Seating, mobility & equipment. See all equipment listings →