Inverness school receives highest MOVE award

Drummond School in Inverness will today (Wednesday 17 September 2014) become the first school in Highland to attain the highest level award for their MOVE (Mobility opportunities via Education) Programme.

Nigel Carter Chief Executive, MOVE Partnership, London will present a plaque with the quality grade of “Outstanding” making Drummond only the second school to have gained this standard in Scotland.

MOVE is an activity based programme which uses the combined knowledge of education, therapy and family to teach children with severe motor disabilities the skills of sitting standing walking and transferring.

Inclusion and opportunity to become more independent are the main aims of MOVE, but other benefits include improved communication skills, access to the national curriculum, interaction with others and activities at school and in the community.

It is the health benefits to children participating in MOVE which are the most noticeable. Just being in an upright, functional position; gives internal organs more freedom to function, improves breathing and circulation, improves bone density and strengthens muscles.

In 2000 Move was introduced to the school, initially starting with just three pupils. To begin with, parents from Drummond School had to fundraise for specialised equipment such as gait trainers, necessary for the programme. Nowadays all pupils that could benefit have access to the Programme and all equipment needed is funded by The Highland Council. In 2003 Drummond was granted ‘School of Excellence’ status.

Richie Foran, Captain of Caledonian Thistle Football team will join the school to help with the celebrations. Also attending the presentation will be parents and staff past and present who have been key to the success of MOVE in Drummond. Maggie Roger, PE Teacher was instrumental in getting the programme established. Linda Schubert, Head Teacher at the time ensured that the programme would stay embedded as part of the pupils’ learning by organising training for all staff working with the pupils on the programme.  She also encouraged two of the support staff, Carly Mackenzie and June MacPherson to train as coordinator and trainer on the MOVE programme. Both Carly and June have been vital in providing training Highland-wide to staff in schools and adult care facilities.

Most importantly of course Drummond pupils will be present to showcase their skills and progress.

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