About
OATS
OATS is a place for anyone who benefits from being around animals and out in nature. Traditional, clinic-based therapies aren't for everyone, and OATS offers something different to support a wide range of varying needs.
Our nurturing, trauma-informed approach enables us to develop secure relationships with our young people, where they can feel safe and cared-for.
In this environment, our young people are empowered to grow in self-confidence, and develop skills in areas they may have previously found challenging.
Self-regulation is a core skill we develop at OATS. The ability to self-regulate is often one of the biggest barriers to participating in our daily routines. Through establishing strong self-regulation strategies, we are better-able to function effectively throughout the day, which then enables us to address other areas of life we may find challenging.
OATS works with a variety of people with different backgrounds. We are person-centred, and work with our young people to meet their specific needs. Please contact us to find out how we can support you with your individual needs.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages overcome challenges with completing everyday tasks or activities – what we call ‘occupations’.
Occupational therapy is a science-based, health and social care profession that’s regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at school – and everywhere else. It’s about being able to do the things you want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges learning in lessons, hanging out with friends, playing sport or simply doing the dishes.
Everything is focused on your well-being and your ability to participate in activities.
Therapeutic Alternative Provision
Sometimes, our education system does not have the resources to meet the needs of our diverse young people. Often, young people benefit from being out in nature, being physically active, and learning through experiences. There is lots of research that evidences the benefits that animals and nature can have on our wellbeing, regulation and learning. Unfortunately, our schools aren't always able to offer this type of education.
Whilst OATS is not an education provision and we are not regulated by OFSTED, we can offer a complementary therapeutic alternative provision for those who may have lost some self-esteem, may be feeling a little low, or experiencing overwhelm, overload or burn-out.
We support our young people to rediscover themselves, reconnect with nature, learn how to keep their bodies and minds regulated and develop social connections with like-minded people.
We offer both 1:1 and small group sessions to form part of a wholistic EOTAS packages where academic education is offered at another setting.
Our young people can't be expected to thrive in their academic learning if their self-belief, self-regulation and mental health and wellbeing aren't supported first.
Founder and Director
Jess has been working with animals to facilitate Occupational Therapy for many years now. Having grown up surrounded by animals (horses, dogs, cats and chickens, just to name a few!), Jess has always been passionate about the benefits of spending time with animals. This has driven her to focus her career on developing animal-facilitated therapy services for people with additional needs.
Jess is a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist and is a member of Equine-Facilitated Occupational Therapy UK (EFOT-UK). Jess is a Sensory Integration Practitioner and is a specialist practitioner in Animal-Facilitated Interventions.
Jess specialises in Autism, ADHD, Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment needs. Jess has many years experience working with children and young people with a wide range of additional needs, including physical, sensory, feeding, social, emotional and mental health.
Jess has trained with the Athena Herd Foundation, Equiscotia, Eco Sensory Therapy, and has a Post Graduate Certificate in Equine-Facilitated Therapy from Ulster University.