We spoke with NICE Pre-school conductors, Erika, Megan and Lucy, to answer the question ‘What is Conductive Education?’ (CE) and to find out how CE can prepare children for school and help them to achieve their full potential.
What is conductive education?
Conductive education is based on a ‘simple’ concept of human potential; meaning that everyone has the capability to learn irrespective of their starting point.
CE is a holistic approach to teaching, learning and therapy, which is delivered by professionals called conductors. CE is designed to work with children who have neurological movement disorders and disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.
How can conductive education help prepare children for school?
- The holistic nature of CE makes it unique and effective. As part of its philosophy, CE aims to improve and develop an individual’s confidence and self-esteem, along with providing a foundation for them to work towards being more self-motivated. This then works towards encompassing a positive ‘can do’ attitude towards all areas of learning.
- Conductors are highly qualified and trained professionals, specialised in working with children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, children are working with professionals who can respond to the needs of each individual instantly. In these situations, children are constantly challenged to their best abilities. Being challenged in a controlled environment ensures that children progress at the fastest rate possible.
- Conductive education programmes are adult-led but child-centered and uses play to motivate children to take an active part in their development. It aims to teach children to become problem solvers, enabling them to adapt to different activities and to become more independent.
The NICE Red Boots Preparation for School sessions follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and using physical movement help children to engage with their environment and access academic learning. Conductors also advise parents how they can support their children’s development in their home environment throughout their daily routine.
How can I access the Red Boots Preparation for School sessions?
Whatever the situation it is vital that children can access specialist support and advice as soon as possible as early intervention is crucial in helping children and young people to develop the skills they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.
Families can be seen for an initial assessment within a couple of weeks of contacting NICE. From the initial assessment, children will be supported regularly for as long as conductive education proves to be beneficial to the child and their families.
The Red Boots Preparation for School sessions run weekly for 2.5 hours and are free for families using the Early Education Entitlement hours.
What made you want to become a conductor in conductive education?
Working with young children is extremely rewarding as with our approach we can make a real difference in the lives of the children and families we work with.
Often when parents come to us they feel alone and helpless in how they can support their child. It is highly satisfying empowering parents to experience success at teaching their children to take part in activities that they have been told would never be possible. To see and be a part of children defying their medical diagnoses and achieving these milestones is amazing.
To find out more about NICE – Centre for Movement Disorders, please contact them at MLewis@conductive-education.org.uk
Medical negligence compensation for claims involving birth or brain injuries can include funding for conductive education and other educational and therapeutic sessions to help prepare your child for school and to support them throughout their education.
If you would like to discuss how a claim could help your child to access the support they need please get in touch.
