Bridging the gap between therapy and education

About Phoebe at Potential-OT

I am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC), as well as a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT); The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT); and The Sensory Integration Network.

I have a particular interest in neuro-development and, as such, I have completed post-graduate training in this field with The Institute of Neuro Physiological Psychology (INPP) to advance my assessment and support of students whose barriers to learning originate from neuro-immaturity/delay. I have an insatiable drive for learning, resulting in my regular attendance to webinars and training events to continue enhancing my holistic understanding of, and tools to support, learners with complex profiles, including PDA, ODD, ASD, and needs arising from social, emotional and/or mental health origins – including masking and burnout.

Around my OT career, I’ll either be found exploring the English countryside with my canine best friend, or in South Africa, working in rhino conservation and anti-poaching projects. Where possible, I try to merge my skills and passions, including providing training and supporting OT service development in rural community health clinics and schools in South Africa.

Phoebe Paediatric Occupational Therapist

OT Expert Witness for SEND Tribunals

My experience of working as an Expert Witness for SEND Tribunals began in 2015, whilst in my NHS role as the Education Lead OT for a Local Authority. Since July 2023, I have predominately worked in the capacity of an Expert Witness, having been involved in over 250 Appeals to date. I work alongside an array of Education law teams, advocates, and directly with self-representing families to provide a robust assessment of the young person’s sensory and physical strengths and needs in relation to learning. Reports are completed in adherence to the most recent practice directions and guidance for witnesses, including specified and quantified recommendations.

If you are unsure whether an OT assessment would be beneficial or if you would like to discuss your young person’s needs - or an appeal relating to their needs - please feel free to get in touch.

Qualifications

I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) in 2010, having studied at Brunel University. Since qualifying, I have worked exclusively in Education, supporting children and young people with a vast array of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), across a host of different settings, including mainstream schools, specialist schools and units, and Alternative Provisions. Having worked directly for schools, Local Authorities, and the NHS, I moved into the Independent sector in 2016. Increasingly, I am working with children and young people at home who are not accessing formal education, due to the rising levels of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Since July 2023, I have predominately worked in the capacity of an Expert Witness to support SEND appeals and Tribunals.

Qualifications

I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) in 2010, having studied at Brunel University. Since qualifying, I have worked exclusively in Education, supporting children and young people with a vast array of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), across a host of different settings, including mainstream schools, specialist schools and units, and Alternative Provisions. Having worked directly for schools, Local Authorities, and the NHS, I moved into the Independent sector in 2016. Increasingly, I am working with children and young people at home who are not accessing formal education, due to the rising levels of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Since July 2023, I have predominately worked in the capacity of an Expert Witness to support SEND appeals and Tribunals.

POTENTIAL-OT Locations

Whilst I am based in Surrey, I often travel to complete assessments, with my current geographic areas spanning between East Sussex, Wales, Chesire and anywhere in between! Assessments typically take place in the young person’s primary educational environment, whether at nursery, school, an Alternative Provision, or at home. An assessment to support Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA’s) or Appeals can be offered for pre-schoolers through to Key Stage 5, supporting transitions to college or further education settings. My involvement in appeals is often as part of a multi-disciplinary assessment of a learner’s strengths and needs, which affords me the opportunity to work holistically with other Expert Witness professionals.