24/02/2026
We have been SO lucky at OATS recently ๐๐ฟ
A huge, heartfelt thank you to our two incredible occupational therapy students, Lucy and Clare, who have just finished their placement with us at OATS.
The impact theyโve had has been amazing!
๐ During their placement, Lucy and Clare created our brand new OATS Community Board, carefully researching and evidencing why a sense of belonging and shared responsibility is so important in occupational therapy โ especially for children who are socially isolated. ๐ด๐๐ฅ๐พ๐
At OATS, every young person chooses a job role (from feeding the guinea pigs to checking water bowls, or supporting with animal care). That role isnโt just a task โ itโs their meaningful contribution to our community. Clare and Lucy helped us truly embed and evidence why this matters.
๐ They also finished all of our Animal Autism โLevel Upโ Boards, enabling our young people to identify each animalโs regulation state and explore what strategies that animal might need. This powerful, indirect approach helps children reflect on their own regulation in a safe, compassionate and engaging way.
๐ And as if that wasnโt enoughโฆ they redesigned our check-in system, replacing plastic cards with beautiful, tactile stones โ much more aligned with our nature-based ethos ๐ฟ๐ชจ
Through rain, mud, snow and (a tiny bit) of sunshine, they have worked tirelessly to support our children, care for our animals, and help us grow and strengthen what we offer here at OATS. โ๏ธโ๐จ๏ธโ
Clare and Lucy - your professionalism, compassion, research knowledge and sheer hard work have genuinely moved OATS forward. Most importantly, you have made a difference to the lives of the children and young people we support.
We are so proud of everything you have achieved and so grateful for everything youโve given.
Thank you for becoming such a valued part of our OATS community ๐
