Sebby, 6, from West Sussex, who has cerebral palsy, and his family have had their lives turned around by conductive education at Ingfield Manor School.
This year, Ingfield Manor School in Five Oaks is celebrating the 70th anniversary of conductive education. The specialist approach practised at the school can transform the lives of people with a variety of motor disorders, including cerebral palsy. Conductive Education Awareness Week (March 15th to 22nd) aims to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of this unique learning programme.
Conductive education can be applied throughout a person’s whole life and is traditionally beneficial for those with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke and acquired brain injury. It focuses on potential and ability, rather than an individual’s disability. People with neurological and mobility impairment can learn to perform daily tasks that those without such impairment learn through normal life experiences.
Sebby’s mum, Ann, has spoken of their journey with conductive education which they have accessed via Ingfield Manor School since 2015.
“We were introduced to conductive education in January 2015 via School for Parents which runs alongside Ingfield Manor School. Sebby was just one year old when we first began attending the once weekly sessions.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say it quite literally changed our lives.
“Conductive education guided us towards a totally new and hands on approach. It allowed us to facilitate Sebby’s very much restricted mobility and gave us renewed hope towards a positive future for Sebby.
“Sebby has thrived ever since. He adored his time each week and thankfully we won the funding to enable Sebby to continue in full time education at Ingfield.
“Quite simply, after lots of research, there is nothing else out there that can offer such positive and beneficial help within a classroom structure. We are blessed and Sebby is a very happy, confident little man as a consequence of conductive education.”
Ingfield Manor School is part of a national network of conductive education centres, it currently supports 54-day students and their families, that has been established since the 1950s.
Principal, Nicola Dodds, said “Ingfield Manor school aspires to deliver a ‘can-do’ approach for all. The individualised approach paired with conductive education drives forward positivity at all levels.
“Outcomes capture not only visible progress, but the inward journey that each individual makes with a huge sense of belonging our students have from accomplishing their goals. We are always eager to show people what we do and to demonstrate the life-changing outcomes we achieve.
“We are delighted to have been able to support Sebby’s amazing journey.”
To arrange a visit to Ingfield Manor School, contact Jane Hart-coombes on 01403 782294.