Hereward College

Since 1993 qualified conductors from Cannon Hill House, Birmingham, have offered CE for students attending Hereward College. These are seen as an integral part of the overall learning experience provided by the college and accessed by a number of students as a part of their college course.

Conductive Education (CE) is often only considered for children with cerebral palsy however it is a system of teaching and learning which is appropriate for people of all ages. Hereward College is the only FE college in the UK which offers this service to students on a regular weekly basis.

It is not possible to learn all the skills required for life during our childhood. As we mature our priorities in life change; our physical stature changes and we find the need to learn new and different skills to help us progress through our lives. CE offers an integrated approach to learning motor skills which considers confidence, self-esteem and motivation alongside physical activity. The focus is on students learning how to control their movements; develop new skills and problem-solve the activities which are important for them. For some this may be maintaining the skills they have already learnt; for others it may be improving their level of skill in everyday activities whilst for many it is about exploring potential new skills which can still be learnt. Conductors do not place a time limit on development and recognise that many students still have massive untapped potential to increase their repertoire of movement skills. This way of working enables the students to set their own priorities for learning and continue to work on developing towards their full potential.

All work carried out will help the student transfer their skills into the whole of their college day. Typically the skills needed for activities such as dressing, eating, transferring, writing, sitting balance, leisure activities, and hobbies are taught through the CE programme.