Making a Difference Kevin Tansley Headteacher Tŷ Gwyn School 9 July 2014.
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Transcript of Making a Difference Kevin Tansley Headteacher Tŷ Gwyn School 9 July 2014.
Making a DifferenceKevin TansleyHeadteacherTŷ Gwyn School9 July 2014
Jamie Brotherton
ICT Co-ordinator
Laura Holmes
HLTA
Tŷ Gwyn School
143 pupils aged 3 – 19 years FSM: 45% BME: 43% PMLD & ASC with complex learning needs P1 – P3 (Routes for Learning, RfL): 40% P1 – P6: 92% i.e below NC Outcome 1 Staff: 117
28 teachers 70 TAs 12 Health Staff 5 Admin 2 Estates
Assistive Technology Research &
Development Centre
Assistive Technology Research & Development Centre Access to the curriculum Communication Mobility Environmental control Multi-agency assessment Support Training Access Play Project
Access Play Project
Play is a motivating tool!
“Children are active participants in their own development, reflecting the intrinsic human drive to explore and master the environment” (Shnokoff & Phillips)
“Human Development is shaped by a dynamic and continuous interaction between biology and experience” (Shnokoff & Phillips)
“Through play children learn about the world around them. They learn to communicate, interact with others, develop their own identity and build on their social skills…” (‘Play Talks’ – SCOPE)
Play is …
Having funDeveloping skillsTaking controlCommunicating
The Challenge
Physical & cognitive difficulties can reduce opportunities for exploration and play
A child with complex disabilities needs tools at every stage
Tools need to be pitched at the right level
Access Play Project (APP)…
… is an accessible play based resources lending library
Support for families
Parents are looking for information, advice and support
Parent expectations tend to be based on typically developing children
Parents are recognised as being experts on their own children
Considerations
Resources that: can be accessible to children with a variety
of physical difficulties
are engaging for a range of cognitive levels, from children who need more sensory equipment to those who have imaginary play skills
are motivating and maintain a child’s attention
provide the opportunity for communication
Appropriate tools for play
Different types of play require different tools. Exploratory play Constructive play Pretend play Social interaction Developing control skills
Tools to access play
Switches Touch screen Joystick Latching box Adult support
Tools to access play
Mounting solutions
Access Play Project
Comparison of cost: Early Learning Centre Bubble MachineRRP: £7.50
Access Play Project
Comparison of cost: Early Learning Centre Bubble MachineRRP: £7.50 Inclusive Technology Switch adapted: £52.50Mount:£142.80Switch £39.60Total price: £234.90
Access Play Project
Comparison of cost:
Magic disco Mushroom Maplins: £24.99
Access Play Project
Comparison of cost:Magic disco Mushroom Maplins: £24.99 Inclusive Technology: £44.40Latching box: £154.80Switch mount: £142.80Switch: £39.60Total price: £381.60
Getting parents onboard
Gained support from the parent group Announcements in the school newsletter Invite to a launch party Leaflets with up-to-date information about
resources
Information available through the family centre and courses
Working with parents regarding individual cases
Parents experiences
“My child loved the book so much we had to buy a replacement so we could keep it. It was something that we would never have thought of purchasing before”Liz Mitchell
“ We got the whole family involved by using Ryan's grandads voice on the device. We all had a lot of fun”
Mandy O’Sullivan
“Through use of the touch screen we were able to help our son progress using the same resources as they have in school”
Cheri Holly
The Access Play Project was launched in October 2012The project currently supports 19 families: 63% of these have primary aged children 42% of these children have free school
meals 16% of these children are from an ethnic
minority background 5% of these children are looked after
Awards
ICT Mark – 2011 3rd Millennium Award – 2012 BETT Awards Finalists: ICT service &
support – 2012 Estyn: sector leading practice – 2012 TES Awards (ICT): shortlisted - 2013
‘Support available at the centre is formally evaluated and indicates a direct impact on standards of pupils’ learning across school and home. This partnership is sector leading.’ Estyn 2012
‘Some pupils with complex communication difficulties require innovative approaches to enable access and progression. The provision for information and communications technology in general, and the role of the Assistive Technology Centre in particular, is sector leading.’ Estyn 2012
Future plans
Parents taking more ownership of the project, therefore leading to more collaborative work
Increase the library of resources available Work closely with the Family Centre and Nursery
to create more opportunities for early intervention
Switch adaptation courses