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WHO ARE WE?
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We are Bobath Tutors and Senior Tutors, trained over several years at the Bobath Centre London.
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We are a specialist experienced group of paediatric therapists (physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech & language therapists).
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As Bobath Tutors, we have a commitment to provide and teach paediatric Bobath Courses in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
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We form the UK's Bobath National Tutors Organisation (NTO).
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Our NTO is a founder member of a pan European Tutors network, known as EBTA, the European Bobath Tutors Association. This network sets and maintains standards for giving paediatric Bobath Courses throughout Europe.
What is the Bobath Approach?
Bobath is a clinical reasoning approach to treating children and adults with cerebral palsy. We share clinical reasoning with other therapeutic approaches, but what singles Bobath out is its in-depth analysis which enables accurate, focussed therapeutic input for an optimum functional outcome.​
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Bobath analysis as a tool, can be used with every type of neuro-disability. It involves ‘observation, analysis, interpretation, experimentation, outcome measurement’ (Mayston 2008).
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A unique aspect of Bobath is the close experimental relationship between assessment and treatment (Bobath B 1978, Bobath B 1990). In other words Bobath practitioners aim through ‘trial and error’ to find what makes a new skill or part of a skill, possible or easier to achieve.
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The Bobath approach is holistic, covering all areas of daily life and includes advice and carer training regarding handling, equipment and other modalities (Bobath & Bobath 1984). This is reflected in Nancy Finnie’s well-known illustrated book ‘Handling the young child with cerebral palsy at home’, first published in 1968, the 3rd edition published in 2009. Finnie was a physiotherapist and one of Mrs Bobath’s early protégés, who worked and taught with Dr and Mrs Bobath from 1955 to 1970. Nancy Finnie dedicated her early editions to Berta Bobath and acknowledged her years of invaluable experience to them both. Her practical and parent friendly book, remains a standard volume on paediatric therapists’ bookshelves.
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Dr and Mrs Bobath's approach did not only consider "the child's functioning in the present but predicted the longer-term impact into adulthood. Then, as today, the aim was to ‘to help the child to develop his full potential’ and to maintain this for as long as possible.
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The understanding of the importance of function has since progressed and has been expanded by others. It is now epitomized in the ICF model and our appreciation of the importance of participation. We also now understand that participation in society is multifaceted and not purely reliant on improvements in the body function and structure or activity domains of the ICF."
The Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework: A systems science approach to the complexity of neuro developmental conditions, including cerebral palsy (2024) Mayston MJ, Saloojee GM, Foley SE Dev Med and Chil Neurol.
Testimonials
Deena's father
JC says
Former client
Leo says
European Senior Tutor Ana, trained in London, says
It's been a pleasure to work with Bobath tutors over many years. Their expertise and professionalism have been second only to their sensitive and caring approach and they have undoubtedly made a real difference to Deena's stiffness and flexibility and thereby enhanced both her comfort and capability. Thank you so much and keep up your important work.
Bobath therapy helped me so much with my mobility. As a child it helped me with independent play and interaction with others and as a teenager it helps me to pursue my dream to become a Paralympic athlete.
When I decided to organize my life to begin the process of becoming a Bobath Tutor, I was not fully aware of the significant changes it would bring to my professional and family life. Throughout the process, I adapted my approach, but even more importantly, I developed the ability to analyze each child and make appropriate decisions to enhance their capabilities, enabling them to actively participate in daily routines.
I feel gratified in this process because I continue to learn, improve my technical skills, and become more specific in my clinical reasoning decisions; all of which makes me more confident in my daily practice with parents and children. I increasingly teach courses and involve more therapists in the Bobath approach because this resonates positively with them.
Get in Touch
Email ukbobathtutors@gmail.com