Spotlight on parenting as an occupation
Members early bird – until midnight 31 March: £80
Member learners early bird – until midnight 31 March: £35
Members standard – from 1 April: £120
Member learners standard – from 1 April: £50
Non-members: £200
Strengthening OT Practice in Parenting Support
About this event
Parenting is a significant and complex occupation. As occupational therapists, we play a vital role in supporting parents whose daily occupations are influenced by physical, emotional, social and environmental challenges. Yet parenting as an occupation often receives less attention than it deserves within services. This dynamic, practice focused day will explore how we can better understand, assess and support the occupation of parenting across diverse settings. Whether you work in neonatal units, children’s services, perinatal mental health, social care, learning disabilities or community practice, this event will strengthen your confidence and enrich your approach.
Inspiring plenary sessions
Hear from speakers who will explore parenting through an occupational lens - what it means, how we support it, and how goalsetting can unlock meaningful change for families.
Case-based round-table discussions
Learn through real practice examples with focused case discussions:
· Parenting in neonatal care
· Parenting with physical needs
· Parenting with mental health needs
Practical, creative sessions
The afternoon offers hands-on opportunities to explore practical strategies, tools and creative approaches you can take straight back into practice. Special neonatal sessions (enhanced and advanced) will also run for ringfenced delegates who have completed the online workshop.
Important
Have you booked onto the two‑part ‘Occupational Therapy in Neonatal Care for Enhanced Level Practitioners’ workshop? If you have, your ticket automatically gives you access to this Spotlight event. You do not need to book or pay again.
Who’s the event for?
Occupational therapists working
- with children in community settings, hospitals and elsewhere
- in neonatal care
- in perinatal mental health
- with parents of young children in other areas of practice, including neurology, learning disabilities and social care
Occupational therapy learners – students, apprentices – interested in working with children and young people. Places are limited.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the day you will:
- Understand the concept of parenting as an occupation and the impact of health needs on parenting occupations
- Understand the significance of parenting as an occupation in shaping the future of health, development and life outcomes for children, young people and adults
- Be able to apply occupational therapy approaches to support parenting in diverse settings
- Explore how occupational therapists can advocate for parenting support in health, education and social care systems
Extended learning through RCOT Communities
A dedicated RCOT Communities space will support pre-event conversations, shared resources, and post-event activities so learning continues long after the day itself.
You can access the group by following the link: https://communities.rcot.co.uk/topics/57954/page/welcome
If you’re not yet on RCOT Communities, please activate your account first and then use the group link.
Ticket prices
Are you an RCOT member? Make sure you get your early bird discounted ticket!
Book before midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026 to get your early bird ticket: £80 for members and £35 for member learners – student/apprentice.
From Wednesday 1 April 2026 the standard ticket price for members is £120 and £50 for learners.
Not a member yet? Non-member ticket price is £200 – or join us now!
What you need to know about paying for your ticket
All bookings need pre-payment. Your place at the event is not confirmed until we receive full pre-payment. We only accept payment by credit card (excluding AMEX) and debit card. We don't accept purchase orders or issue invoices.
Cancellation and substitutions: We won't give refunds without a written request and they'll be made after the event. Cancellations made up until Monday 9 March 2026 will incur a charge of 30% of the registration fee. Cancellations made between Monday 10 March and Thursday 2 April 2026 inclusive will incur a charge of 70% of the registration fee. Cancellations after Friday 3 April 2026 and on the day of the event or ‘no shows’ will not be refunded.
Contact: [email protected] if you have any questions.