Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College
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About Outreach

Chadsgrove Physical Disability Outreach Team

Supporting children with physical disabilities in mainstream schools across North and North East Worcestershire.

 

“Worcestershire LA will, wherever possible and appropriate, ensure that a child’s special educational needs will be met alongside his or her peers and within his or her own community” (Worcestershire County Council, SEN Policy).

The Chadsgrove Physical Disability Outreach Team is an LA funded initiative, managed by Chadsgrove School in Bromsgrove, a special school for pupils with physical disabilities. 

What We Aim To Do

  • Enable children with physical disabilities to be educated in mainstream schools wherever possible.
  • Provide appropriate levels of support for children with physical disabilities, their parents and school staff to achieve successful, inclusive education.
  • Offer advice, training and equipment, where required, to help maintain access to a full curriculum.
  • Assist with all aspects of planning and implementing access for children with limited mobility, including building modifications.

“Special Schools need to act as a source of expertise, advice and professional development for mainstream colleagues” (Department for Education and Skills).

Supporting Children

We work in about 110 schools across Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Redditch, Kidderminster, Wythall and Rubery actively supporting over 235 children. The majority of these pupils have cerebral palsy, whilst others may have spina bifida, arthritis, Acquired Brain Injury or other forms of physical disability. Some may have experienced traumatic injury or have a temporary disabling condition. Quite a number have limited mobility and a few use wheelchairs regularly. Some pupils have Statements of Special Educational Needs or Education Health Care Plans maintained by the LA.

Outreach staff support these children through:

  •   Visits
  •   Advice
  •   Assessments
  •   Provision of equipment
  •   Staff training
  •   Building adaptations
  •   Specific one to one staffing for some pupils

Training courses for staff in manual handling techniques are held regularly both at Chadsgrove and other schools. (The school has several accredited trainers who deliver these courses and specific advice in conjunction with therapy staff). Courses in aspects of physical disability are also held.

Activities

Sports Clubs are held at Chadsgrove School each week for children from mainstream and Chadsgrove to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities led by the school’s P.E. staff. These include games, competitions, trampolining, swimming, snooker etc. Specific coaching is available for athletics and a number of the children have gone on to become regional and national champions. Basketball and football competitions are entered from time to time.

 

The Outreach Team

Mark Loveday (Snr Assessment Teacher/Assnt Headteacher) – Redditch, Alvechurch & Wythall

Sharon Jones (Assessment Teacher & AAC Practitioner) – Redditch, Alvechurch & Wythall

Claire Stoodley (Assessment Teacher) Bromsgrove, Kidderminster & Rubery

Emma Hudson (Senior Specialist Teaching Assistant)

Linda Sherborne (Administrator)

Deb Rattley  (Outreach Manager/Headteacher)

Teaching Assistants employed through the Team support a number of pupils in mainstream schools.

Chadsgrove staff regularly assist with training and advice on issues such as ICT, manual handling and curriculum access.

“The Physical Disability Outreach Team have provided invaluable support in terms of advice, training for staff and liaison with parents. Nothing too much trouble. We greatly value our continued association with Chadsgrove”.

“Chadsgrove is the best service and the most effective of all the support agencies with which I deal”.

(Quotes from Schools being supported by the Physical Disability Outreach Team)

 

Working Together

Chadsgrove Physical Disability Outreach Team members recognise the importance of working collaboratively with colleagues in mainstream schools, parents, and of course, the children themselves. Close links are also maintained with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and staff in pre-school settings.

The Team liaises regularly with LA Officers and the County’s Property Services personnel. In addition the skills, knowledge and facilities at Chadsgrove School are also available to assist the team.

 

How To Contact Us

If you would like further information please contact us:

            Chadsgrove Physical Disability Outreach Team

            Chadsgrove School, Meadow Road, Catshill, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0JL

            Telephone:       01527 877262

            Fax:                 01527 579341

            E-Mail:             outreach@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk