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3.3 Commercial Primary School, Fife

Gross Motor Programmes For Pupils With Dyspraxic Type Difficulties
Commercial Primary School, Fife

Our Learning Support Teacher, Fiona Simpson, and our visiting PE Specialist, John Lees, have developed an effective partnership that allows them to address the needs of pupils with dyspraxic-type difficulties.

Several pupils faced a yearlong wait for assessment by our overworked Occupational Therapy Service. John and Fiona together developed a programme of gross motor exercises to help these pupils. This work has now become a permanent part of our school timetable. During John's monthly visits, time is allocated to allow them to evaluate the current programme and plan the next one.

They developed their own assessment procedures which, combined with information from pupils, parents and support services, allows them to develop accurate profiles of a pupil's difficulties. These are then addressed through a series of activities ranging from physical fitness and hand-eye co-ordination to following instructions and working co-operatively with peers.

Pupils record and evaluate their own progress and are encouraged to work independently and to support each other. Our original group of seven pupils is now two groups of eight. The group meets twice weekly - Ann, one of our Classroom Assistants, has joined the team to help deliver the programme.

This programme has benefited both staff and pupils: -

• John brings knowledge and new ideas from recent training while Fiona contributes information gathered from pupils, parents, staff and support services
• Together they provide training for staff about dyspraxia
• The programme's positive focus leads to improved self-esteem and motivation, which transfers to other areas of work
• Our Classroom Assistant feels that she is 'making a difference' - she feels valued

Above all we have great fun!