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