CHILDREN with complex needs have taken part in their first ever inter-school sports day after challenging their peers from other special schools.
The Dales School, Morton-on-Swale, hosted the special event as part of the initiative MOVE – Movement Opportunity Via Education.
Sixth form students from the Dales School helped staff stage a host of races and activities for guests from Springwater School, Starbeck, Harrogate, and Brooklands School in Skipton.
MOVE was piloted in America to improve the quality of life for people with complex disabilities, their families and the professionals who care for them.
It aims to promote participation and encourage independence and dignity. For some children sitting in a chair or on a bench represents a major achievement.
Children were also able to use the school’s cutting edge facilities including bikes and swings capable of carrying wheelchairs and devices designed to help them walk.
Principal Hanne Barton said: “It is the first time we have organised an inter-school sports day and it has been brilliant. It has been great fun and given the children the chance to use skills learned in the classroom.
“”We have loved being able to share our facilities and it has given staff from other schools the opportunity to see what equipment is available and share best practice.
“Our post-16 students have been helping staff and done a great job as sports leaders, encouraging the young children and showing everyone how they can be helpful, responsible and respectful.”
School sports co-ordinator Maureen Breen added: “It has been fabulous for the children and staff to celebrate sport and to interact with each other. You can see the smiles on their faces when they are moving.”
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust physiotherapist Claire Turner said MOVE had proved to be really effective.
“You can see the progress,” she said. “Students go from being unable to walk to walk, while others, who have previously been supported in a wheelchair, are able to sit unaided in a normal seat or on a bench, which is a huge achievement.”
Occupational therapist Rachael Wilcox added: “It is also about goal setting and it is a great opportunity for the children to benefit mentally as well as physically.”
