Specialist paediatric occupational therapy for children who need a little more

Supporting children with acquired brain injury and complex neurodevelopmental needs to reach their potential.

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About

I'm Clare, a specialist paediatric occupational therapist with extensive experience working with children following acquired brain injury and those with complex neurodevelopmental profiles.

My work draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, but MAES therapy is where I feel most at home - it places the child at the centre, and is built around understanding not just where they are now, but how their brain injury will shape their development and what they can achieve long term.

CanDo Therapy is a small, close-knit practice. I work alongside two associates, but all work is carried out under my direct supervision — so you can be confident in the quality and consistency of the care your child receives.

"My approach centres on understanding each child as an individual — their neurology, their environment, and what matters most to them and their family."


Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Fully insured and DBS checked.

Services

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Assessment

Comprehensive occupational therapy assessments covering motor function, sensory processing, executive function, and activities of daily living.

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Intervention

Individualised therapy programmes using MAES therapy and evidence-based approaches. Sessions are tailored to the child's goals and delivered at a pace that works for them.

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Reports & recommendations

Detailed written reports for families, schools, tribunals, and legal proceedings. Clear, clinically grounded, and written to be understood by non-specialists.

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School & home consultancy

Working with schools and families to translate therapy goals into everyday environments — adapting routines, tasks, and environments to support participation.

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MDT collaboration

Regular liaison with neurologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and education professionals to ensure coordinated care.

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Parent training

Coaching and guidance for parents and carers to understand their child's needs and carry therapeutic approaches into daily life confidently.

Who I work with

I work with children from birth through to 18 years, primarily those with acquired or neurological conditions that affect their daily function, participation, and independence.

Referrals are accepted from families, NHS teams, schools, solicitors, and other professionals. I accept both privately funded and medico-legal referrals.

Fees

Initial assessment

£105/hr

Dependent upon scope - written reports following assessment can be offered as desired.

Therapy session

£105

60-minute direct therapy session. Travel charges apply for home or school visits.

Written reports

Priced by scope. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Consultancy

£105/hr

School visits, MDT attendance, and professional consultancy. Quoted individually.

All fees are subject to review. Invoices are issued monthly.

Frequently asked questions

What is MAES therapy and how does it differ from other OT approaches?
MAES (Movement Analysis and Education Strategies) therapy is a specialist neurological approach developed specifically for children with brain injury and complex neurological conditions. Unlike traditional OT approaches that focus primarily on adapting tasks or the environment, MAES therapy is built around understanding how the brain injury affects a child's movement, development and potential — and using that understanding to drive intervention. It places the child at the centre, considers where they are now, and keeps sight of how their neurological presentation today may shape what they can achieve over time.
How do I refer my child to CanDo Therapy?
You can refer by emailing us with a brief outline of your child's needs and your contact details. We welcome referrals from families, GPs, paediatricians, schools, solicitors, and other health professionals. If you're unsure whether we can help, please get in touch anyway — we're happy to have an initial conversation at no charge to help you decide whether CanDo Therapy is the right fit.
Do you work with children who don't have a formal diagnosis?
Yes. A formal diagnosis is not a requirement for a referral. Many of the children we see are in the process of being assessed, or have a complex presentation that doesn't fit neatly into a single diagnostic category. What matters is understanding the child in front of us and what they need — not the label on a letter.
How long does an initial assessment take?
This depends on the child's age, presentation, and the purpose of the assessment. Most initial assessments take between one and two hours, though for more complex cases we may recommend spreading this across two sessions to avoid fatigue and get the most accurate picture of the child's abilities. We'll discuss this with you before the assessment takes place.
Do you work in schools as well as homes?
Yes. We offer home visits, school visits, and clinic-based sessions depending on what makes most sense for your child. Working in the environments where children spend their time is often the most effective way to understand their needs and make therapy goals meaningful and achievable in daily life.
Do you work with premature babies and young children?
Yes. We have experience working with babies born prematurely, including those with complex medical histories and developmental concerns arising from preterm birth. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes, and we welcome referrals for very young children where there are concerns about development, movement, feeding, or sensory processing.

Get in touch

I welcome enquiries from families, schools, and professionals. If you're unsure whether I can help, please do reach out — I'm happy to have an initial conversation at no charge.

Email:  [email protected]
Location:  Cheshire

I aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days.

Making a referral

To refer a child, please email with a brief overview of the child's needs and your contact details. I'll be in touch to discuss next steps and likely timescales.

For urgent or medico-legal referrals, please indicate this in your subject line.

Email a referral