The Cocoon Therapy Space

10/03/2026

This piece says everything we have been thinking & articulates it so clearly.
Thank you Dr Natasha Holden - Clinical Psychologist & PDA mum. (Not that we don't enjoy the sweary posts too - thank you to everyone who has taken the time and effort to contribute to debunk the 'debate' that shouldn't even be happening 🙄)

22/02/2026

Join in and share the FREE training we offer with colleagues and families. We have invested in creating these spaces because people and their families asked.
from DAY 1. Shaped and created by lived experience voices together since 1999. .

https://www.facebook.com/sensoryladder

22/02/2026

"People could see, especially teenagers, you don't have to be wearing a uniform to be learning,"

"If you were taking your kids out on a Saturday to play, there is no way that you would choose the kind of clothes that we send children to school in,"

At The Cocoon Therapy Space we hear about AND live our own school uniform struggles every day. The evidence base is growing about the benefits of comfortable, flexible, active clothing in schools.

Proponents say relaxed uniforms make life easier for children and are much more practical for physical play.

18/02/2026

At The Cocoon Therapy Space both OTs are fully hcpc registered and have post-graduate (level 7) qualifications in Ayres Sensory Integration.

We are sooo lucky to have Laura Elliott Independent Occupational Therapist in the team, and a beautiful, calm, creative space to work.

There really is no substitute for authentic, in-person, skilled, meaningful 1:1 shared time together. 😍😍

11/02/2026

😍😍😍

11/02/2026

What does data really mean for teaching and planning in schools?

When we look at emerging UK data on sensory integration and processing differences, the message is clear.
Therapists need learning that helps them support participation, not just understand profiles.

For those working with children and young people under 18, teaching needs to include:

• Recognising sensory integration and praxis patterns over time, not relying on single scores
• Understanding development and key transitions, especially when school demands increase
• Placing praxis at the centre of learning, play, self care, and everyday school routines
• Building from strengths such as creativity, curiosity, physical competence, and motivation
• Analysing the environment and adult responses, not locating difficulty only within the child
• Using assessment data ethically to guide planning, adjustment, and inclusion

This kind of learning supports earlier understanding, better collaboration with schools and families, and a shift away from crisis driven responses.

Data matters when it helps us teach therapists how to think, not just what to do.

That is how evidence supports participation, belonging, and everyday school life.






participationmatters
praxis
neuroaffirmingpractice
sensoryinformed
childrensoccupationaltherapy

11/02/2026

03/02/2026

**PDA Alert**

The Cocoon Therapy Space is super proud to share that our two amazing occupational therapists Laura and Rachel have both successfully gained accreditation at OCN Level 3 (aka A-level) in "Supporting Children, Teenagers and Young Adults with Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA)".

This formally adds another layer of specialist knowledge to our existing repertoire of , and hcpc-registered qualifications as highly skilled and post-graduate 😄

Thanks to and PAST - Positive Assessments Support and Training for your sage guidance and support.

30/01/2026

Shout out to families with lived experience of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)…we want to ensure our diagnostic service is as good as it can be so please share your thoughts on the process of a diagnosis with us via the link…
Young People, Parents and Carers are welcome to share their thoughts. Many thanks

https://forms.gle/6mSygm9yvN5Uz9Nv5

22/01/2026

Really great to attend the SEND round table event tonight hosted by Mary Foy MP. Distressing to hear the experiences of a broken SEND system from so many (everyone) in the room, but also a privilege to meet some amazing parents, young people, educators, professionals and advocates for change. 🙂

22/01/2026

Josh MacAllister MP and the Department for Education are repeating the mistakes of 2025 and failing adopted and kinship children.

Where is a decision about the parameters for the adoption and special guardianship support fund for 2026/2027? Without one applications cannot be opened and the inevitable bottle neck of applications will build up. The result, further harmful delays and gaps in vital specialist therapeutic support. Preventable harm. Harm caused by government failings that occur repeatedly and for which there are no excuse.

Where is the full and independent consultation process on the longer term future of the fund? Talked about by the Minister for Children and Families (Both Janet and Josh) and the DfE and almost a year on we are still none the wiser. Time wasted. Time that demonstrates a team that do not have the ability to adequately plan or prepare and do not prioritise the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in society. It is inexcusable.

The cuts to the per child limits within the fund MUST be reversed, they were made without consultation or evidence and the government has not adequately monitored the impact, not even close. We have and the harm being done to children and families is intolerable.

Delaying consultation cannot mean a delay in reversing the cuts. Consultation should take place with the cuts reversed so that children do not come to further unnecessary harm while expert opinion is sought, the future is planned for and decisions are made.

Despite overwhelming evidence from the sectors charities, from experts and from children and families the government has continued on this harmful path.

There can be no excuse.

Our campaign will increase its activity and its pressure. Our children deserve so much better.

Bridget Phillipson Rachel Reeves

15/01/2026

Thank you ARC Adoption North East for hosting us and generously sharing your time 🥰