NHS OT – Sunflower Sensory Service
What is the sunflower service?
The sunflower service is delivered by a team of experienced and sensory trained Paediatric Occupational Therapists.
It is an education training session designed to provide parents / carers with information and strategies to empower themselves to support their child to participate in daily activities throughout their life.
The skills learnt will be used every day to support the child to develop, learn and play.
By completing the sunflower Parent Training Program, Parents and carers can learn from other parents of children who may have similar experiences.
Referrals
Referrals can be made by Health Professionals and school SENCO’s.
Referral Criteria
- Children aged 4-11 in mainstream education
- Children with possible sensory differences and a functional difficulty e.g. dressing, feeding, self-care, accessing school, handwriting and/or motor skills.
- No Diagnosis needed.
- Children should not be receiving Occupational Therapy any other provider at the time of referral .
- Parents/carers MUST commit to attending all three sessions. A member of school staff is welcome to assist parents/carers in attending these sessions.
Sunflower Parent Training
- Session 1 – An introduction to parents on the theory and reasons why their child may be experiencing sensory difficulties.
- Session 2 – A practical session which involves working together to resolve the child’s sensory difficulties.
- Session 3 – A practical session to demonstrate equipment and discuss interventions, which can be implemented within home and school environments.
Each parent will receive a sensory booklet, which is filled full of advice, to support their child’s life long sensory needs.
Sunflower Professionals Training
A 2hr training sessions for professionals only. Contact West Acklam Centre to book a place.
Contact Details
South Tees NHS Foundation Trust
Paediatric Occupational Therapy
West Acklam Centre
Birtley Avenue
Acklam
Middlesbrough
TS5 8LA
Phone: 01642 944506
E-mail: ste-tr.westacklamcentre@nhs.net
Parent / Carer Feedback
- “Very informative, Although I’ve been on lots of sensory courses I found I learnt new things and took away lots of ideas to try.”
- “It’s been very helpful understanding my sons sensory needs. Lots of ideas to try at home.”
- “Very educational and everything has been explained to a high standard.”
- “Totally relevant information delivered in a relaxed and friendly manner.”
- “Empowers individual to recognise and respond to child’s needs.”
