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DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES MOVEMENT AND EXERCISE GROUPS

SSLA has for some time been at the forefront of work in understanding developmental difficulties. The Association has explored the inter-relationships between elements previously considered separate - dyslexia, autism, attention deficit, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and so on. SSLA has also been involved in promoting exercise and movement programmes to assist pupils with such difficulties. Indeed, members of the Association have devised an outline whole class programme.

Numerous programmes have been put into practice around the country and this manual appropriately includes a selection. St James's PS in Renfrew run an exercise club based on the work of Madeleine Portwood. St Ninian's PS in West Lothian runs a fine motor skills group on a daily basis which illustrates how links with an occupational therapy (OT) department can be effective and a team approach developed. A similar partnership has been established in Commercial PS in Fife - this time on a gross motor programme and in liaison with PE staff.

Programmes are not exclusive to primary schools, and Perth Grammar School is used as an example of good practice in secondary. It is also an example of peer tutoring and inter-departmental co-operation.

In Kirkcaldy West PS a movement programme illustrates how all children can be involved through professional co-operation. Here a three times a week "Brain Gym to Music" programme runs for over one hundred children. Another skills programme with similar inter-disciplinary work is run for a single pupil with cerebral palsy in St Thomas' PS in Angus.

These examples illustrate how there can be many "variations on a theme". According to circumstances the projects cover from one to one hundred pupils from infants to sixth year. They illustrate graphically the role of SFL staff in overcoming barriers and choosing different routes. The value of teamwork is highlighted and there are interesting comparisons of how programmes for individuals can be generalised and how class programmes can be tailored to meet individual needs.