Life Changing

"Thank you Nicky for assessing both of my kids! Each of the children (age 10 & 12) had an in-depth Handwriting Assessment. We knew this was a huge area of difficulty, but their schools seemed to be at a loss/unable to identify what the problems were. Both the children were made to feel welcome and comfortable, Nicky is so friendly and understanding - she really "got" each of them, and how to make the assessments feel accessible for them. Each child's report is really detailed, packed full of helpful observations and recommendations that we just wouldn't have got anywhere else. They will be incredibly helpful in explaining to each of their schools why handwriting is so difficult, and why they need a very high level of support. We never would have got that without Nicky's help! This is life-changing stuff. Thank you so much."
Lisa Green Parent

Worth every penny

"We came to see Nicky to have a full assessment for my 14 year old son who is home educated. My son would normally struggle especially with such a lengthy assessment but he coped really well which was due to how calm, kind and patient she was with him. We recieved a very detailed report along with lots of useful recommendations, which clearly show Nickys high level of experience and expertise. It has been a huge relief to have his difficulties confirmed after years of being let down by his school and endless appointments which left us going round in circles with no support. I would reccomend Nicky to anyone struggling in a similar situation, I just wish we had done it sooner as it was really was worth every single penny. "
Anonymous Parent

Will be back for further support

"I absolutely second what's written here, and having used you twice know I will be back as Jack ages for the right level of support to get him through his years of education
Deborah Ramsey Parent

Thank you so much

"You gave me a very detailed report, which contained information I was completely unaware of (such as her feeling pain when writing, and getting headaches when reading). This summer she took her first GCSE (as she's home-educated she doesn't need to take all her exams in one season). Your report was a significant part of the evidence we provided the exam board for her to get a scribe, reader and extra-time in her exams. She got her result today and I'm delighted to say she got a 7 in Human Biology. I don't think she'd have managed a 1 if she'd had to write her paper independently. She had a huge grin on her face when she heard the news and I'm sure getting a 7 has given her confidence a massive boost. Thank you so much for all the work you did with her earlier in the year and for the detailed assessment you provided. It has been life-changing for her."
Anonymous Parent

Miracle Worker!

"And 5 years or so on continues to have the same impact in our house. You're a modern day miracle worker!!"
Jane Grundy Parent

I Highly Recommend Nicky

"I came across Nicky following a recommendation. My son has struggled since birth with his development, he has a few diagnosed conditions that have an impact on his everyday life and within the education setting. After speaking with Nicky I was happy for my son to have an in depth assessment to support a diagnosis of DCD.The assessment showed areas of his fine and gross motor skills that he has difficulties in, it also highlighted something else that may warrant further investigation, plus advice for when he is older. Although Nicky isn't able to diagnose DCD she has a good idea what to look for and what strategies we can use with my son to make it a little easier for him. We have started to put stuff in place that we didn't think of trying before and also our GP is looking into how to officially diagnose this condition following Nicky's assessment and clearly written report I have provided them with. I will also be getting the information added to my son's ehcp soon. I would definitely recommend Nicky and would have no issues using her again in the future if needed, Thank you!"
Naomi Carr Parent

Wish I'd come to Nicky sooner

"It is never easy or nice to realise your child has learning difficulties, but there is a sense of relief when your concerns are verified and you, the parent, have a concrete diagnosis to work with and pointers on how best to support your child. For years I have known my daughter has dyslexia and had just assumed her issues with writing were an aspect of her dyslexia. Added to this is the fact I home-school my children, so whenever I sought help from the Local Authority, GP or NHS, I felt discounted and blamed for her handwriting. After years of asking and waiting, her appointment with the NHS Occupational Therapist ended with a brief letter stating my daughter has no underlying issues and just needs daily practice. It felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall, despite her having an incredibly effective and supportive tutor for her dyslexia.
When I found Nicky it felt like things took a drastic turn for the better and I finally felt I'd found a professional who could help us understand why my bright, creative daughter just cannot write legibly. After her appointment, my daughter was happy and smiling, saying she'd enjoyed the session, liked Nicky, and found the exercises challenging yet fun. Within a few weeks Nicky gave us a detailed report about her special needs. Somehow within one short session she had identified issues I was unaware of (such as my daughter having lax and over-flexible joints in her hands) and had measured and quantified issues I was aware of. Additionally, Nicky gave advice on exercises she could do, equipment she should use and ideas for the future to help her. I am also confident that her report could be used as evidence for her needing allowance in exams.
With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I'd come to Nicky sooner for my daughter to be assessed. All other routes I'd attempted were a futile waste of time."
Katie Holden Parent

Professional and warm

"The assessment process for my 4-year old son was smooth from start to finish. I was nervous about how he would cope with the assessment but within a few minutes, they had built a connection. This lasted throughout the many different desk-based and practical tasks. The report we received was detailed and clearly explained medical terms. It gave a high number of action-based recommendations some of which were taken up by his school and us the very next day. I would highly recommend her services which were professional and warm throughout and held in a modern welcoming space. Thank you."
Lorraine Hill-Scott Parent

Fantastic assessment

"What I would like to say is, thank you for your fantastic assessment of my son, you really do seem to have shown a great understanding of him. I am so grateful. Your recommendations will be invaluable and I really hope that school take them on board also. I shall no doubt be in touch when I have studied all the information and digested it. As mentioned previously, I just want to do the best I can for him and promote his independence as much as possible, so that he can live a happy and fulfilled life. We need more people like you in this world who's aim is to better understand all these children navigating a very confusing world. Thank you and keep up the fabulous work."
Emma Crabtree Parent

Nicky's patience paid off

"We had an assessment yesterday and whilst it was lengthy ( in a good way maybe thorough is a better word ) I want to thank Nicky for her calm and patience, my young person really struggled with it all and she took it totally at his pace, we had a lot of non-descript answers off him initially but Nicky's patience paid off and by the end he started to respond easier and actually smiled a couple of times, if your child is like ours and hasn't had much experience of these services by the time they get to teen years I would highly recommend this service, for teens who have found that the more life expects of them the harder it is maybe this will offer you and them the answers and clarity for what's needed to make life easier for them, we've waited far too long for this but I really hope that with the advice and recommendations in place life gets easier for him, Thanks so much Nicky for everything."
Danielle Durrans Parent of Teenager

Highly recommend her services

"Nicky was warm and welcoming to my son and immediately put him at ease. The Covid precautions in place were also excellent. She was able to see my son very promptly and provided a highly detailed and insightful report showing great understanding of my son's difficulties, which I have been able to forward to my son's school. She also provided exercises, tips and advice on aids and strategies to help him. I would highly recommend her services and her communication and professionalism were excellent throughout."
Linda Green Parent

Makes OT fun

"Nicky has supported all 3 of my children from early childhood to teenage years. All 3 have DCD & ASD. Her input has had such an amazing impact from assessment reports, excerise plans and treatment sessions. The boys love going to sessions because Nicky knows just how to make OT fun whilst also effective. I can't recommend her services enough."
Leah Webster Parent

Amazing, really helpful

"Thank you so much Nicky. I really didn't know what to expect but it's written amazingly. It just shows why he's been struggling so much. This is really going to help, thank you again!."
Ellis Havord Parent

Couldn't have asked for more

"I would recommend Nicky to anyone, she supported my son for a few years until he was old enough for a diagnosis and she's been fantastic. She quickly got to know him and consequently he really enjoyed seeing her and had lots of fun whilst having a very thorough assessment carried out. We now have a diagnosis and Nicky has made lots of recommendations for him for home and school going forward. Thank you so much for your support, your time and your patience, we couldn't have asked for more."
Parent

Highly recommended

"Nicky is an amazing occupational therapist and I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a private assessment or therapy. We opted for a full assessment for my 6 year old son who is having some difficulty, throughout the assessment Nicky was able to engage him in activities even though he didn't want to do them. (He likes to run) the report at the end was very detailed with tips on how to manage and help certain areas that were assessed, we were also given an exercise plan and sensory plan which is working great for my Spiderman. The report has also helped us gain access to some support which we couldn't get before. If you are considering a private occupational therapist i would highly recommend doing so. I wish we'd have found Nicky earlier. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us Nicky."
Carrie Jackson Parent

Understanding, amazing advice

"I would highly recommend OT 4 Kids with DCD. Nicky spent time and understood Lucas' difficulties really well, an in-depth assessment and report. The advice given to both home and school is amazing. Thank you. Kind Regards, Kelly."
K J Bentley Parent

Well worth the journey

"We travelled on a recommendation, from Newcastle, so that Nicky could assess our 6 year old. It was well worth the journey. Her assessment and diagnosis confirmed many of my thoughts and gave the information we now need to make sure that he is properly supported. Her excellent report will ensure that we as parents, can ensure that school understand his problems, and that we can all work with him so that he reaches his potential. Our son is a bright lad but his dysgraphia, if we hadn't taken the matter into our own hands, would have been left undiagnosed for many years and in the meantime, his self confidence would have been damaged. Moreover, Nicky fitted us in very quickly (perhaps sensing my desperation) which has meant we can now move on and plan a strategy to ensure he reaches his full potential regardless of his diagnosis."
Marian Parent

Highly professional

"Nicky was fantastic, really friendly and made my son and I feel at ease very quickly. My 5 year old son was having difficulties at school and with some physical activities. Everything about Nicky is highly professional, we had an appointment really quickly and her communication was timely. Nicky completed the report 2 weeks after our appointment, which was easily understood with lots of exercises and recommended equipment. I would definitely recommend Nicky, she was so patient and thorough. We were really pleased."
Janine Campbell Parent

Changed my daughter's life

"Nicky assessed my 19 year old daughter. I suspected she had dyspraxia when she was a toddler and only wish I had found Nicky and arranged an assessment years ago. School, college and the first term at University with a very significant, undiagnosed SpLd were needlessly hard and I would urge any parent not to wait as long as we did. Nicky has a lovely manner. Her report was very comprehensive but easy to understand as a lay person. It contained lots of simple, practical suggestions that my daughter can do for herself plus some very specific adjustments that can be made in education. I work in education myself and know SpLds and issues about low mood and anxiety often go together. Since receiving the diagnosis, the issues around my daughter's mental health has eased significantly- for the first time in her life she understands why things are so difficult for her and she doesn't feel so stupid or useless; if only she had had this insight years ago. It is absolutely not an understatement to say that this assessment has changed my daughter's life- and our lives as her parents."
Anon Parent

At ease

"Can not recommend Nicky Bament enough. My son came in for a full assessment. He was very anxious but within a few minutes Nicky made him at ease and he was ready to do the full assessment. The assessment was fantastic and Nicky really took her time over each part of the assessment making sure my son had regular movement breaks when he needed them. The report was absolutely great and very clear and easy to read. Lots of recommendations and plans for school to follow and for us to follow at home. Nicky has also been on hand to answer any of our questions at any time. I will definitely be using Nicky again for future assessments. Can not thank you Enough!"
Dawn and Michael Tate Parents

Very friendly

"I was recommended Nicky by a friend. My son was having difficulties at school especially with handwriting and physical coordination. We got an appointment really quickly and my son was assessed and we had a report that school could work with.
Nicky is incredibly friendly and makes you feel at ease. She has a huge amount of patience with children who sometimes find it difficult to cooperate with the assessment. The report was really clear and the school made a comment that it was the best report they had seen because the recommendations were so clear and they knew what they needed to do to make things easier for my son.
Seeing Nicky has helped us no end. My son is much happier at school and his teachers are much more accommodating of him."
Muz Ali Parent

Thank you

"I would definitely recommend Nicky Bament as an excellent Occupational Therapist, as she has had the patience of a Saint with my autistic son. From day one of my sons noted mobility issues ... dyspraxia, hand/eye co-ordination etc, she has advised and guided us to the point that my son, who had severe handwriting issues, has caught up to his peers at school. She was honest at the onset and my son improved much quicker than anticipated which was a bonus and she worked wonders on his fine and gross motor skills, ..(such as catching balls, movement etc ... thus he now has more confidence in his abilities and stamina). Got to lastly mention, she went directly into school and made a report on what they should and should not be doing as my son was often hiding under tables because he was avoiding writing because of stabbing pains in his hands but he was only 5 so did not understand. Her detailed report was given to school who implemented the changes, different writing equipment etc which stopped the hand issues and now he is achieving his full potential. Thank you ... you are amazing!."
Alison Hardaker Mother

Very impressed

"I have two children, both with DCD, ASD, Dysgraphia & Dyslexia so as you can imagine they both have a lot of additional needs. My boys have now been using this service for over two years and I cannot put into words the positive impact that it has had on them both emotionally and physically. My children struggled with tasks such as hopping, skipping, throwing, running & jumping not to mention writing, fastening clothing and just being able to sit still or stand without falling over. We had no idea why these tasks were so difficult for them and so we tried to encourage them to practice and keep trying harder. Once we found this service and it became apparent that their issues were in fact not for the lack of trying but because they had Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder we felt that we needed to try to help them improve and so signed up for weekly sessions. Since then we have regular improvement in both fine and gross motor skills, core strength, not to mention a huge increase in confidence for both boys. They can now complete all of the above mentioned tasks and no longer feel embarrassed or frustrated. The individual exercise plan that Nicky created for the boys to complete at home has worked perfectly to maximise the achievement and improvement in combination with the weekly sessions. Nicky Bament's knowledge and OT skill sets are only rivalled by her compassion, understanding and patience. Her impact goes way beyond the physical improvements that we have continued to see in both our children as the therapeutic relationship she has built with them has restored their faith in both themselves and professionals. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for this service and the pride I have in seeing how far my children have come because of it, the milestones some may take for granted such as playing ball in the park, hopscotch in the playground or fastening shoelaces are milestones that we thought may never arrive but thanks solely to this service, Nicky's hard work and our children's dedication they have all arrived and continue to come each week. We have utilised lots of services over the years to try and improve our childre's lives and I can honestly say that this has been the most valuable and the one that I do not know where we would be without it."
Leah Webster Mother

Very good progress

"My then 4 year old son and I came to see see Nicky with concerns about DCD. Nicky listened to my concerns first, to decide whether or not an assessment was appropriate. When it came to doing the assessment, this was done in such a manner that relaxed my son, and felt more play-like to him. The subsequent written report was of a very high standard, with clear and succinct recommendations for both home and school,and I have been able to use it as the foundation of his IEP. Not only that Nicky provides valuable follow up, both via email, or in my case, liasing with the SENCO at school. Hence she is a strong advocate for the child. My son continued to have frequent OT sessions with her. These have not only improved his gross and fine motor abilities, but equally importantly his self esteem. He feels a sense of achievement in working with her. Nicky has a very patient, child centred approach to her sessions. My son can be difficult to engage, particularly if he knows a task is going to challenge him, but Nicky has a way of moving him past this. As my son progressed, she said it would not be ethical to see him as frequently, as he had made significant progress. I would whole heartedly recommend her without reservation."
Hazel Parent

Thank you

"I am writing to thank you about my special knobs on my rulers, I can already tell the difference and so can my teachers! I use them all the time now and I am finding that not only my straight lines are improving but so is my handwriting especially thanks to my new pencil and pen. I use my laptop every time we are doing a large sum of writing. Thanks for everything."
Elise Aged 10

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