Lana’s Story
Lana, 6, is in our Key Stage 1 school group. When she first attended sessions run by the Trust, she had very limited mobility. Her mum describes the impact of the programmes on Lana:
Through daily tasks in parent and child groups, the nursery and school, Lana has learned skills to enable her to become independent. A couple of months after Lana started with the nursery I turned up early to take her to one of her numerous hospital appointments. I could not believe it when she started walking tentatively towards me – there were tears in my eyes. The Hornsey Trust staff have the confidence and expertise to challenge children appropriately to help them realise their own potential. The school has also taught Lana to use a range of communication devices. This has helped her learning in the classroom as well as supporting her physical and social development both in and outside school.
Max’s Story
Max, 3, regularly attends the parent and child groups for one session a week. In the past, he has also attended intensive two and three week courses. His Mum says:
Initially Max wasn’t that keen on the sessions which I think he found hard work but there has been a real change in his attitude and participation and I would now say it’s one of the highlights of his week and we both very much enjoy going. Max has clearly made advances since attending the Centre. I particularly became aware of changes after he has attended the intensive sessions. Amongst other things it has helped him learn to grasp objects and more latterly he has learnt to take steps whilst holding on to a ladder, something which at first he found very difficult but which now he enjoys doing.I particularly like the holistic approach of conductive education which incorporates learning activities with physical activities. Max is always encouraged to actively take part in tasks and to try to do things for himself.The Conductors at the centre are excellent and are extremely dedicated to the children. The tasks set by the Conductors are always relevant and achievable. I have sometimes found this not to be the case when Max has been in a more generalised “special needs” setting which can tend to be more passive in their approach. As conductive education is specifically aimed at children with cerebral palsy it is an ideal choice for Max as it is specifically dealing with his types of needs. I am extremely grateful that Max has been able to attend the Centre and I am convinced that it has had a positive effect on his development.
