Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Abigail Rotchell

Abigail Rotchell

CHAPELTOWN,S35 1SP SHEFFIELD

Summary

Over nineteen years of experience in Early Years, Special Educational Needs, and Health Care sectors, with a focus on Occupational Therapy. Proven ability to enhance access and inclusivity for individuals, empowering them to achieve their potential through meaningful activities. Extensive training in Makaton, Autism, and Mental Health, facilitating effective communication and understanding of neurodivergence. Demonstrated success in supporting vulnerable populations across diverse environments, promoting independence and resilience.

Experienced healthcare professional focused on improving patient well-being through tailored therapy plans. Skilled in assessing patient needs and implementing evidence-based interventions to enhance functional outcomes. Committed to fostering collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient care.

Offering strong interpersonal and communication skills, combined with background in patient care and support. Knowledgeable about therapeutic techniques and committed to promoting patient well-being. Ready to use and develop problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability in Occupational Therapy role.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Associate Occupational Therapist

Smart Rehabilitation
Sheffield
01.2025 - Current

Educated caregivers and staff on therapy strategies to ensure ongoing support at home.

  • Collaborated with case managers to produce detailed case reports for effective team communication.
  • Adapted educational environments to enhance accessibility and safety for individuals with physical limitations.
  • Implemented specialised therapeutic techniques, achieving successful EHCP outcomes.
  • Executed sensory integration therapies for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • Facilitated group and individual therapy sessions to promote personalised social interaction among students.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic care approach for patients.
  • Modified activities to cater to individual student needs, fostering independence.

Band 5 Occupational Therapist

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS foundation Trust
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
12.2021 - 08.2025
  • Collaborated within multidisciplinary team on acute adult inpatient mental health ward.
  • Applied Model of Human Occupation to assess service users' occupational needs and develop treatment plans.
  • Facilitated individual participation in goal-setting for effective recovery and discharge processes.
  • Planned inclusive interventions and therapy groups to enhance functioning, health, and wellbeing.
  • Coordinated closely with external agencies to ensure patient-centric decision-making.
  • Partnered with Senior Occupational Therapist to introduce sensory modulation and pet therapy sessions.
  • Supported individuals in community reablement, aiding recovery post-illness or injury at home.
  • Conducted assessments to tailor recovery plans and empower independent living through necessary adaptations.

Men In Sheds- Co-ordinator

Chislett Community Centre
Kimberworth Park, Rotherham
03.2020 - 11.2021
  • Identified support needs of 'Men in Sheds' group, addressing mental health and isolation issues.
  • Developed interventions to assist with bereavement and deprivation challenges.
  • Secured paid employment at community centre during Covid lockdown, ensuring continuity of services.
  • Produced monthly newsletter to keep members informed and engaged.
  • Facilitated befriending phone calls to enhance social connections.
  • Organised local history walking group to encourage community interaction.
  • Coordinated regular trips aimed at reducing social isolation among participants.

Support worker

The Burton Street Foundation
Hillsborough, Sheffield
08.2018 - 11.2021
  • Supported adults and children with learning disabilities in day centre and community settings.
  • Facilitated engagement in activities tailored to individual interests and preferences.
  • Created safe, person-specific environments to promote security and comfort.
  • Emphasised independence as core value throughout service delivery.
  • Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
  • Assisted with personal care activities consistently promoting positive health and hygiene.
  • Built strong patient relationships through compassionate care and friendly rapport building.

Senior Teaching Assistant

Mossbrook School
Sheffield
09.2017 - 08.2018
  • Collaborated with teaching staff to plan and deliver educational activities.
    Facilitated safe learning opportunities in classroom and community settings.
    Supported pupils in establishing routines, managing transitions, and developing self-regulation skills.
  • Assisted students with special educational needs, providing tailored assistance where necessary.
  • Developed individualised learning plans for pupils needing additional support, enhancing their educational experience
  • Managing challenging behaviours, promoting safe regulatory strategies
  • Completed therapeutic programmes, such as TAC-PAC

Residential Support Officer

Mossbrook School - Moss House
Sheffield
01.2014 - 08.2017
  • Facilitated evening activities and overnight care for children aged seven to eleven with complex needs.
  • Collaborated within a small team to support children's emotional, social, and physical development.
  • Identified and addressed individual barriers to enable children to achieve their full potential.
  • Created a nurturing environment that provided respite for children and their families.
  • Provided high-quality patient care by administering medications , managing PEG feeds and monitoring health conditions.

Inclusion Outreach Worker

Action For Children
Sheffield
09.2011 - 09.2013
  • Planned and delivered inclusive activities and educational opportunities for vulnerable families.
  • Supported healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing of children in hard-to-reach groups.
  • Collaborated with professionals to enhance access to vital services for underserved communities.
  • Championed diversity initiatives within the community, fostering an environment of mutual respect among different ethnic groups.
  • Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with vulnerable adults and children.

Early Years Practitioner

Action For Children
Sheffield
11.2005 - 09.2011
  • Delivered care and learning opportunities to children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Collaborated within a team to address individual and complex needs of children.
  • Facilitated play activities in a mainstream community nursery environment.
  • Built strong rapport with parents during pick-up and drop-off times encouraging open communication about child's progress.
  • Worked collaboratively with colleagues whilst preparing reports on each child's development.
  • Communicated daily observations with guardians, maintaining detailed development records.
  • Conducted risk assessments for activities to uphold Health and Safety.

Education

GCSE's - Five GCSE's A-C

Stopsley High School
Luton
05.2004 - 06.2004

BTEC Diploma, Level 2 - Early years Development

Longley Park Sixth Form College
Sheffield
09.2004 - 06.2005

NVQ Level 3 - Childcare and Education 0-16

Barnsley College
Barnsley
01.2007 - 10.2008

Access to Nursing and Health Related Professions - Access course

Barnsley College
Barnsley
09.2011 - 06.2013

BSc (Honours) - Occupational Therapy

Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield
09.2018 - 08.2021

Skills

  • Autism spectrum disorder experience
  • Completing Masters in Sensory integration therapy
  • Paediatric occupational therapy experience
  • Trauma-Informed approaches
  • Neurological disorders understanding
  • Mental health support
  • Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered

Hobbies and Interests

  • Rambling
  • Exploring the outdoors
  • Music
  • Cooking and baking
  • Learning to crochet
  • Learning to play the guitar

Personal Information

Date of birth: 05/03/88

Timeline

Associate Occupational Therapist

Smart Rehabilitation
01.2025 - Current

Band 5 Occupational Therapist

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS foundation Trust
12.2021 - 08.2025

Men In Sheds- Co-ordinator

Chislett Community Centre
03.2020 - 11.2021

BSc (Honours) - Occupational Therapy

Sheffield Hallam University
09.2018 - 08.2021

Support worker

The Burton Street Foundation
08.2018 - 11.2021

Senior Teaching Assistant

Mossbrook School
09.2017 - 08.2018

Residential Support Officer

Mossbrook School - Moss House
01.2014 - 08.2017

Access to Nursing and Health Related Professions - Access course

Barnsley College
09.2011 - 06.2013

Inclusion Outreach Worker

Action For Children
09.2011 - 09.2013

NVQ Level 3 - Childcare and Education 0-16

Barnsley College
01.2007 - 10.2008

Early Years Practitioner

Action For Children
11.2005 - 09.2011

BTEC Diploma, Level 2 - Early years Development

Longley Park Sixth Form College
09.2004 - 06.2005

GCSE's - Five GCSE's A-C

Stopsley High School
05.2004 - 06.2004
Abigail Rotchell