Stacy Ring OT & Coach

04/01/2026

Childrens rights are not optional!!

You may have seen an article in The Times this week speculating that children could lose their right to SEND support except in the most "severe" cases. The article suggests schools may "take over from parents to deal with the authorities directly for pupils with only ‘moderate’ needs in proposed government reforms."

While we are still awaiting the Government’s White Paper which will set out any confirmed proposals, we will fight any attempt to weaken or dilute existing SEND law. IPSEA is quoted in the article pictured below, and along with our campaign partners at Save Our Children’s Rights, we will continue campaigning throughout 2026 to ensure children’s legal entitlements are protected as part of any changes to the SEND system.

Children’s rights are not optional. They must be upheld.

04/01/2026

For parent carers, as children return to school this week:

As school returns this January, it’s understandable if you’re already feeling the weight of it.

The transition back to school for some is harsh and violent. Children don’t return refreshed and ready, they come back with tired nervous systems and unprocessed experiences from the before, during and after the festivities For some families the holidays were joyful; for others they were exhausting, lonely, or about survival. Often, it's a mix

Many parent carers have spent the break supporting regulation, managing anxiety, and absorbing stress so their child can cope. As school restarts, worries about how your child will manage and how their needs or behaviours might be understood can feel heavy.

If your child seems more restless, withdrawn, emotional, avoidant, or says things like “I can’t do this,” it doesn’t mean you’ve gone backwards or done anything wrong. It usually means their system is still in survival mode. Transitions take energy, for children and for you.

A small grounding tip for this week:
Try anchoring the start and end of the day with one predictable, regulating moment the same song in the car, a warm drink together, a few slow breaths, a familiar phrase like “We’re okay, today doesn’t have to be perfect.” Consistency matters more than duration.

You don’t need to fix everything this week. Your child doesn’t need to prove readiness. Safety, trust, and regulation come first.

Please be gentle with yourself. You are returning too; to routines, coordinating, advocacating, and holding a lot that often goes unseen.
If things are feeling harder than expected at the moment that doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you ar doing your best with what you have.

29/12/2025

I’ve been quieter here these past few months while supporting my children through school transitions, complex needs, back to back illnesses for all of us, and the very real exhaustion that can come with the festive season with both their birthdays aswell as my own all within 8 weeks. Family had to come first 🤍

Now, with more stability and clarity, (and anitbiotics)I’m gently stepping back into this space, with renewed purpose.

In 2026, I’ll be opening new services for parent carers grounded in:

✨ Occupational Therapy
✨ Lived Experience
✨ Realistic, and compassionate support that fits real family life

If you’re a parent who’s been surviving rather than thriving, please know you’re not alone, and support is coming.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for being here.

More details soon,
Stacy x

11/12/2025

During my sons most recent AR, we discussed the recent percieved increase in EHCPs and both managed to agree the current system is unsustainable and whilst the SENCO seemed optimistic about the new reforms I am slightly apprehensive.

Currently in Scotland, 43% of children are now identified as having additional learning needs. Rather than viewing this as a problem within the children, this figure raises serious questions about whether the mainstream education system is fit for purpose. The current model prioritises early academic achievement, sits children still when their bodies are wired to move, and limits opportunities for play and exploratio, the natural foundations of development. As children grow, they enter large, impersonal secondary schools where meaningful adult connection is minimal and test performance dominates the narrative about their future ( thank you Dr Naomi Fisher )

My child entered school struggling.He was labelled within the first 10 days, and they have been difficult to shake.

Schools tend to be very quick to label CHILDREN as having behavioural issues or additional needs, as if they are the ones who are faulty rather than the structure around them. Assessments and diagnoses then multiply, not because children are increasingly ‘broken’, but because the system has become increasingly rigid. The less flexible the system becomes, the more children fail to fit within it.

I believe the core issue is not the CHILDREN who are still learning and developing, it is that the system was never designed with their developmental needs in mind. Until we recognise this, the number of children identified as having additional needs will continue.

06/11/2025

This OT week I'm celebrating the power of timely support.

During the SEND process, parent carer's are at higher risk of stress, low mood, anxiety and burnout. They often use all their energy for and carry the weight of assesments, meetings, behaviour that challenges, transitions and the high expectations from thr health, education and social care sector.

What I would like to see and be a part of is:

Early guidance for parent carers for when worries first appear

Providing practical strategies during the thick of assesments and pressures from local authorities and schools

Providing ongoing support after an EHCP has been issued, when real life begins.

OTs often walk alongside families, I want to support them to find clarity in the process, maintain a good level of health and well being, and increase confidence at every stage.

03/11/2025

So proud to be an Occupational Therapis!!!

It’s National ! �

Last week, we marked , recognising the vital contribution of occupational therapists across the UK.

Now, we’re celebrating how OTs make a difference every day - helping people recover, adapt and live independently. From rehabilitation and mental health support to helping children and older adults thrive, their work touches every part of life.

Thank you to every OT for your continued commitment to safe and effective care. �

Find out more about how occupational therapists are being celebrated this week via the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

31/10/2025

Happy Halloween to all the lovely parent carers!

Have you felt stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out during this half term?

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

I’m offering a FREE 1 hour 1:1 initial session with a 30 minute follow up, designed to help parent carers like you:

✨ Reduce stress and prevent burnout
✨ Build emotional resilience
✨ Find balance and regain energy
✨ Navigate SEND challenges with confidence

Together, we can work on whats meaningful for you and your family, so you can feel calmer, and more in control.

💬 Limited spaces available, comment SPOOKY or DM me today to book your spot.

29/10/2025

Half term has been full of fun, memory making, and lucky for us it's a two week affair locally.

So with laptop in one hand, a teen to entertain when I can, and creating 6000 fun and spooky meal and snack ideas, I'm embracing all the mess and chaos that goes with it!

Tag a fellow superhero who just gets it! 👇

27/10/2025

Today just so happens to be World Occupational Therapy Day!!

As an OT, I'm proud to support people to do what matters most to them, whether thats remaining in their own home, coping with intrusive thoughts or finding balance in daily life.

It's a facinating career, and like many careers it definately has it's ups and downs. It can be challenging to accurately describe what we do, seeing as their is a place for OT pretty much everywhere!

OT isn't just equipment, or discharge planning. It can be supporting a new mother navigate post-natal depression, or a child write their name, a young person regulate their emotions or a stroke patient use a knife and fork again. We can support anyone reach their individual gials whatever they may be.

Sometimes OTs feel trapped and frustrated because of how others percieve our profession and the neat boxes they like to fit us in.

But with good quality support being an OT even in the most challenging setting can be rewarding.

Here's to celebrating our profession and the difference it makes, one person and one goal at a time

23/10/2025

To all the parent carers, yes it's that time of year again!!

Anybody else begin to stuggle towards the end there? Gosh we were all getting irritable and came down with virus' , not severe enough to warrant time off but enough to make you feel drained, exhausted and begging for half term!!

One of the bonus' of being an OT and Parent Coach, with lived experience I see how easy it is to pour everything you have into making sure your kids have all their needs met whilst ignoring your own.

So heres a gentle reminder it's ok to pause and have your hot drink or sweet treat or whatever it is you managed to put aside for yourself!!

It's ok to say no, no to halloween events, parties, days out...ect because sometimes the stress and anxiety just isn't worth it. Simply rest and recharge!

It's also ok to say yes to the social groups with those that get it, even if your ND teen is convinced they won't enjoy it and want to just take the free pumpkin home!! That is also ok!!

Across the next two weeks depending on where you are in the UK step outside for a moment, take 3 deep breaths before responding or shake up and move your body.

Half term doesn't have to be filled with perfect pumpkin patch pictures or halloween costumes!!




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21/10/2025

Amazing role for OTs.

Occupational therapist Amanda Hawes talks about her role at the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

03/10/2025

Witnessing the pain unfolding in so many corners of the world right now is really heartbreaking. The recent attack on the synagogue in Manchester is horrifying, every act of violence against innocent people, regardless of their faith or background, is a tragedy that must be called out. No one should ever fear for their life because of their religion or identity.

At the same time, my support remains with the people of Gaza, who continue to endure unimaginable suffering. Being pro-humanity means standing against all forms of violence from antisemitism to the devastating conditions in Gaza.

I genuinely dream of a future where peace, justice, and safety are not privileges for the few, but rights for everyone here in the UK, in Israel, in Palestine, in every community around the world.