I’m Leigh-Anne Patsais, a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) with a strong passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the families and professionals who care for them. My approach is client-centered and holistic, focused on empowering children to engage in everyday activities and fostering their independence in school, at home, and in the community. I work to create inclusive environments where children can thrive, using evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach.
My Approach as an Occupational Therapist
As an OT, I am dedicated to enhancing children’s independence and participation in their daily lives. I believe in understanding the whole child— their needs, strengths, and challenges—and creating tailored interventions that support them in reaching their full potential. By integrating evidence-based practices and my clinical expertise, I help children build skills, increase confidence, and achieve meaningful goals.
My work aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan, the Five Year Forward Plan, and current government policy and legislation, contributing to positive change and better future outcomes for children and families. I advocate for systemic improvements to enhance access to services and better support for children with SEN.
PACTS and Voluntary Work
Since 2019, I have volunteered with PACTS, the official Parent Carer Forum for Stockport, representing the voices of parents and carers. I actively contribute to the speaking team, events team, and serve on the steering group. In this role, I attend meetings with Local Authorities (LA), CAMHS, and CCGs to advocate for improved services for children with SEN.
My work has contributed to shaping diagnostic pathways, and I have collaborated with combined authorities to develop and co-produce an ADHD training module for schools. By using my specialist knowledge, I help equip educators with practical, evidence-based strategies to support children’s learning and emotional regulation.
My lived experience as a parent of children with SEN provides me with a deeper understanding and empathy when supporting other parents. I use my therapeutic use of self to connect with families, offering practical and compassionate support tailored to their needs, ensuring that I am the most effective practitioner possible.
Advocacy and Professional Integrity
In addition to my clinical work, I advocate for teachers and schools, ensuring their voices are heard at conferences and in professional settings. I take positive action to ensure my personal life and voluntary role do not impact my professional clinical judgment. I achieve this by engaging in regular supervision, reflecting on my practice, and adhering to HCPC standards of ethics and professional conduct. This ensures that I provide high-quality, ethical care to the children and families I support.
I believe the best outcomes are achieved when all involved—parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists—work together for the greater good of the child.
Collaboration for Positive Change
I am deeply committed to an integrated, Healthy Settings approach to education, advocating for systemic changes that improve inclusion and accessibility for children with SEN. Through collaborative working, I aim to ensure that children receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place, to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Empowering Professionals and Families
My mission is to empower those who support and care for children—including parents, carers, teachers, teaching assistants, Learning Support Mentors, Pastoral staff, SENCOs, senior leadership teams, governors, and the wider community. I provide specialist training, tailored interventions, and collaborative support to build the skills and confidence of both professionals and families. By equipping them with the right knowledge and strategies, we can create environments that enable all children to thrive.
Driving Positive Change for a Better Future
Through practical knowledge, person-centered approaches, and collaborative action, I aim to drive lasting positive change that benefits individual children and the education system as a whole. I am passionate about creating a future where every child receives the support they need to succeed and every adult involved is empowered to make a difference.