Physical Development
We develop fundamental movement skills, supporting students to become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend agility, balance and co-ordination, individually and with others. All children have their own physical program, which may include physiotherapy; hydrotherapy; rebound therapy; MOVE etc. which form the basis of the school’s physical curriculum. Wherever possible, physical activity is functional and meaningful. For example, walking in a specialist walking frame to see a friend in another class. The main aim of encouraging moment is to increase independence, protect body shape and improve general health and morale. The physical curriculum is an everyday part of our learners’ lives and will include; eye/hand coordination and fine motor control, posture, spatial awareness and orientation and movement. The exploration of art materials offers opportunity for our learners to work on things such as grasp, manipulation, feel, taste etc. which form the focus of the activity as opposed to the production of art work, it is the exploration and the physical practice that’s important. Opportunities to practice fine motor movements will come through switch work and through the manipulation of any materials and objects that are motivating to our pupils, whatever they are. Physical literacy and movement to music in school, for example, through Physibods, supports with building muscle memory and improvement of both gross and fine motor control. Our students require regular positional changes in order to engage in activities through the day. Massage is used alongside stretches and positional changes as an activity to support with loosening of muscles and easing stiffness, it also supports body understanding and proprioception.
Our Whole School Intent
We inspire by enabling all pupils to be as physically independent as possible. Pupils’ physical strengths and goals are identified by families, class staff, MOVE coordinators, physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists. Through providing engaging lessons suited to all individual needs, taking part in rebound therapy, hydrotherapy and local physical events, through the Derby Opportunity Area, Derby University and the MOVE programme. We also participate in the Motor Activity Training Programme which encourages students to understand they are all athletes at every level of ability. We are aspirational in ensuring pupils can explore their world, mastering purposeful movements and fundamental physical skills, such as head control, sitting, standing and walking.
We nurture by ensuring the physical curriculum is an everyday part of our learners’ lives, providing opportunities to move and access a range of physical activities both in school and the wider community, such as hydrotherapy, swimming, soft play, dance and yoga. We support our students with regular positional changes to engage in lessons through the day. Massage is used alongside stretches and positional changes as an activity to support with loosening of muscles and easing stiffness, it also supports body understanding and proprioception.
We empower our students to be as physically independent as they can be by developing fundamental movement skills, supporting students to become increasing competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others to promote a healthy active lifestyle. These opportunities instil a love of PE, promoting social inclusion, improving children’s health fitness and mental wellbeing as well as supporting cognitive and communication development.