Physical Development
Many of our children have physical disabilities or difficulties. These children at Newfield are challenged and supported to maintain and develop their physical skills.
Physical Education & Development
All children take part in Physical Education sessions. For our children who do not have physical disabilities we ensure a wide range of sporting and leaisure activities take place to enhance their skills and promote a health life style. Some activities take place at off-site venues, such as YouthZone, local parks and other outdoor venues offering large spaces.
Children with physical development needs have programmes devised by Physiotherapists. Goals and targets are set at Annual Reviews with teachers, parents and the children where possible, taking into account the specialist physio advice. Many children have weekly session in our school pool and may also have a planned MOVE session with a trained MOVE leader or class staff.
Throughout the week during class sessions children will use their equipment and opportunities are created for all children to work on their physical goals, for example during a class art session some children will be seated on benches to work while others using standing frames, class chairs or even lie out on the mats to complete work.
All children have daily opportunities to use standing frames, walkers, specialist seating and lying equipment.
Staff follow individual therapy programmes and movement opportunities are created via our curriculum.
MOVE - Movement Opportunities Via Education
Newfield School is a MOVE accredited school.
The MOVE therapy programme provides a framework to support the functional development of independent mobility and physical skills to the best of their ability. MOVE is a practical mobility programme based on the philosophy that movement is the foundation for learning. It uses a collaborative approach with families, carers, education and therapy staff working together to set purposeful, individualised targets for each child.
MOVE is appropriate for all ages and abilities to increase independent mobility, develop communication skills and improve health.
At Newfield School, 20 staff are trained as Senior MOVE practitioners. The MOVE programme is delivered throughout the day and regular opportunities are created throughout the child’s normal daily routine for increased practice and progression of skills required to reach aspirational goals.
Parents are invited into MOVE sessions to work alongside their child and learn ways to support their child at home.
MOVE targets are discussed and set with parents during Annual Reviews and Parent Consultation meetings. Progress is recorded through the Evidence for Learning App.
You can view our MOVE Policy here on the website.
In November 2020 we were delighted to acheive the Gold level of the MOVE Quality Mark - the report is available here
MOVER of the week
Pupils achievements are celebrated during our weekly assemblies.
A ‘MOVER’ of the week certificate is awarded for both the primary and secondary department.
2 pupils are rewarded and we ask classes to celebrate this in their class assemblies. The MOVER of the week display board is updated and a school email is circulated.
MOVER of the week is a great way to celebrate the good work and fun we have with MOVE in school; and the displays and announcements are a good reminder and motivator for staff and pupils to work on their physical goals.
Pupils take home their certificate and we broadcast their acheivement on our website blog.
Assessment of physical development is co-ordinated currently by Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapists, MOVE Leaders and class teachers. A range of assessment tools are used to capture, record and ensure all children are making progress. These include: Gross Motor Function, The Chailey Scale, MOVE and children’s’ EHCP outcomes, goals and targets.
A new assessment tool is being piloted across the group of Special Schools involved which will allow schools to collate evidence and data within individual schools around children’s physical development.