08/01/2026
A follow-on from yesterday at Seirrah Therapies…
Yesterday was a really good example of how Occupational Therapy (OT) support doesn’t always mean more, it means right sized.
A nursery visit was completed, and following observation and discussion with the parent, the OT advised a different pathway for this child. In this case, a full OT assessment and detailed report were not required. Instead, a screening assessment with targeted consultancy input was recommended to focus on specific functional areas of concern, including emotional regulation, core strength, and support with transitioning from bottle to cup.
This is an important message we often share with families: a full assessment is not always necessary. Some children benefit most from focused advice, practical strategies, and professional guidance that can be implemented quickly within everyday routines.
The nursery involved have been absolutely fantastic. Their approach over the past 12 months has been vital in supporting this child’s progress. They have been proactive, reflective, and fully engaged, ensuring consistent 1:1 support, adapting provision thoughtfully, and advocating appropriately. Their recommendation for a complex needs placement reflects a deep understanding of the child and a commitment to getting things right.
The day also included a really positive first online session with another child. This was a short, relaxed session with no pressure to be on camera or to talk. The focus was simply on connection, chatting about pets, the snow, and favourite apps, while naturally gaining some early insight into sensory preferences (including oral sensory processing), without the session feeling like an “assessment” at all.
Today continues in the same way: a visit to a post-16 provision to catch up with students, a joint OT and Speech & Language Therapy session in school, collaborative goal-setting with a class teacher, and further work supporting a young person with travel planning and executive functioning skills.
Alongside this, there’s admin time for planning ongoing home-based therapy for a Year 11 student accessing learning online, a teacher meeting online, an onboarding call ahead of a clinic assessment to gather background information and priorities, and, as always, further report writing.
A busy few days, but a really good reflection of what Seirrah Therapies is about: responsive, thoughtful support that matches the child, the context, and the need, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
