Lancaster Children's Occupational Therapy

23/03/2026

Looking for something to do in the Easter Holidays? 🐣🐰

Hop on over to Lune Park Family Hub’s free Easter Fun Day! 🥳

18/03/2026

📱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Let’s talk about our kids and smartphones.
Parents, carers and anyone interested in children’s wellbeing are warmly invited to a friendly discussion hosted by Smartphone Free Childhood Lancaster.
🗓 Friday 20th March
⏰ 6pm–7pm
📍 The Gregson Centre, Lancaster
This is a relaxed, non-judgemental space to talk about the challenges of smartphones in childhood, share experiences, and think together about how we can support healthier childhoods in a digital world. 💬

Everyone is welcome — feel free to share with other parents and carers in the Lancaster area. 🤝

17/03/2026

Getting children involved in chores at home is so much more than just “helping out” — it’s a powerful way to support their development 💛
🧠 Everyday tasks like tidying toys, setting the table, or getting dressed are building: ✨ Fine & gross motor skills
✨ Coordination
✨ Planning & problem-solving
✨ Independence
💬 Chores also support emotional development by helping children: 🌟 Build confidence
🌟 Develop a sense of responsibility
🌟 Feel valued as part of the family
⏳ Yes, it can take longer… and yes, it can get messy! But giving children the time and space to try is where the real learning happens.
🌱 Think of chores as part of their “daily therapy” — small, meaningful activities that build lifelong skills.
✔️ Start small
✔️ Keep it age-appropriate
✔️ Celebrate effort over perfection
You’re not just getting through the to-do list…
You’re supporting your child’s development every single day 💕

02/03/2026

✏️ Pre-Writing Shapes: The Foundation for Handwriting

Before children write letters, they need to master pre-writing shapes. These early strokes build fine motor control, visual-motor integration, motor planning, and pencil control — all essential for legible, efficient handwriting.

Developmental frameworks influenced by Arnold Gesell outline a general progression:

Vertical line → Horizontal line → Circle → Cross → Square → Diagonals → Triangle → X

These shapes directly support letter formation (e.g., circles for “o,” crosses for “t,” diagonals for “k”).

🛠 OT Tip: Think big before small!

Before expecting success on paper, practice shapes on a larger scale first.

Try:
• Tracing taped shapes on floors or walls with fingers or toys
• Forming shapes with playdough
• Drawing in sand or shaving cream
• Painting shapes with water outdoors
• Using chalk on walls/floors outside or large paper

Build big movements first—then move to paper.

Strong foundations build confident writers 💛

26/02/2026

Does your child want to know more about a future career in health services? 💙

‘Spill the T’ – T-Level Information Event for Students, Parents/Carers & Educators.

Join the Careers Team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) on Tuesday 24th March 2026 at 7pm for an informative and supportive session all about Health T-Level opportunities.

This is a fantastic chance to:
✨ Learn what Health T-Levels involve
✨ Explore exciting career pathways in the NHS and Social Care
✨ Get expert advice from experienced professionals
✨ Ask questions and plan next steps

Whether your child is already considering a career in healthcare or just starting to explore their options, this session will provide valuable insight and guidance.

Follow the link below, or scan the QR code on the picture below.
https://forms.office.com/e/FgcJcEWyM2

23/02/2026

🪑✨ Why good seating matters for kids ✨🪑

Let’s talk about something that seems small—but makes a BIG difference 👀👇
Good seating isn’t just about comfort. The way a child sits directly affects their attention, learning, behaviour, and even confidence 📚🧠💪
When children are seated well:
✅ Feet are supported (touching the floor or a footrest 👣)
✅ Hips, knees, and ankles are at comfy right angles 🔺
✅ The table is at the right height for drawing, writing, and eating ✍️🍽️
This kind of setup helps their bodies feel stable and calm, so their brains can focus ✨
Less fidgeting ≠ “being naughty” — it often means their body needs better support 💡
On the flip side, poor seating can lead to:
❌ Slouching and fatigue
❌ Reduced concentration
❌ Avoidance of table-top tasks
❌ Frustration (for kids and parents 😅)
You don’t need fancy furniture 🪑
👉 A box under the feet
👉 A cushion behind the back
👉 Adjusting chair/table height
Small changes = big wins 🌟
If your child struggles to sit, focus, or stay engaged, it might not be motivation… it might be posture and support ❤️

11/02/2026

🌙 The Importance of a Bedtime Routine 🌙

Bedtime routines are a key part of supporting a child’s regulation, development, and overall well-being. Consistent routines help children transition from the demands of the day into a calm, restful state, setting the foundation for quality sleep.
🧠 Why bedtime routines matter:
Support nervous system regulation and emotional stability
Increase feelings of safety, predictability, and security
Improve sleep onset and sleep quality
Reduce bedtime stress for both children and caregivers
🛁📖 What an effective bedtime routine includes:
Consistency ⏰: similar timing and sequence each night
Calming activities 🌿: bath, pajamas, quiet play, reading
Connection 💕: shared reading, gentle conversation, cuddles
Low stimulation 🔕: limited screens, noise, and high-energy play
Simplicity ✔️: routines should be realistic and sustainable
From an OT perspective, routines are meaningful daily occupations that shape how children function and self-regulate. A predictable bedtime routine helps the body and brain recognize that it is time to rest, making sleep more accessible and restorative.
🌟 Supporting healthy sleep habits benefits the entire family—better rest leads to improved regulation, learning, and participation in daily life.
Small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact over time.

02/02/2026

🎭✨ Why role play is so important for children ✨🎭
Role play isn’t just about dressing up or pretending — it plays a huge role in supporting children’s communication, play, and emotional development 💬🧠
🗣️ Supports communication
Through role play, children practise using words, sounds, gestures, and facial expressions in everyday situations like shopping, bedtime, or going to the doctor.
🤝 Builds social skills
Pretending together helps children learn turn-taking, sharing ideas, and understanding other people’s feelings — all key skills for friendships ❤️
🧩 Develops play & thinking skills
Role play encourages imagination, problem-solving, and flexible thinking as children create stories and explore different roles.
💛 Supports emotional expression
Children often show us how they’re feeling through play. Role play gives them a safe way to explore emotions and experiences they might not yet have the words for.
🌱 OT tip for parents:
Follow your child’s lead, keep it simple, and enjoy the moment — there’s no right or wrong way to role play!
👶🎨 Dressing up, small world toys, or acting out daily routines all count. Play really is powerful!

31/01/2026

🌟Exciting news!🌟

☕We have a new Coffee & Connect – One Stop Shop!

Looking for friendly faces, practical advice, and a warm cuppa? Join us at Firbank Family Centre, Lancaster for our brand-new Coffee & Connect sessions!

Our first sessions agencies are :
Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers
HCRG - Health visiting team
Department of work and pensions
Citizens Advice Bureau
Fire & Rescue

📅 Starts 11th February
🕘 Every second Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Firbank Family Centre, Firbank Road, Lancaster, LA1 3HL

Get support on housing, finance, employment, parenting, emotional wellbeing, and more – all in a warm, welcoming space.

25/01/2026

Learn to Cycle this February half term 🚲
📆 Thursday 19th February
⏰10.30am & 11.45am
Our Learn to Cycle sessions are the perfect way to get children bike confident and riding in a fun, safe and supportive environment 👍🏻

These sessions are back by popular demand 💥 book now to avoid disappointment 👇🏻
https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/salt-ayre-leisure-centre/school-holiday-activities

20/01/2026