What is Conductive Education
Conductive Education (CE) is a holistic learning approach originally designed to support children with movement disorders of neurological origin, however, it has now expanded to work with a wide range of children.
CE was founded by the Hungarian educational philosopher Professor András Pető.
CE is a unique method of learning that brings together education, play, psychology, and physical tasks to facilitate learning and development.
CE looks beyond simply developing gross and fine motor skills. Instead, the focus is on building their personality and encourages children to become active learners.
In CE we recognises that every child has distinct learning needs. We support and guide them to accomplish tasks and empower their unique personality to truly shine through
The history of Conductive Education
Conductive Education originated in Hungary in the 1940s on the philosophy of Dr. Andras Peto.
Many parents used to take their children over to the Peto institute in Budapest so their child could access Conductive Education.
In 1986 there was a documentary on the BBC called, standing up for Joe about a young boy (Joe) with Cerebral Palsy and his family's journey to the Peto Institute. The film generated lots of interest in Conductive Education.
Including thousands of letters to the BBC and questions in the House of Commons. A follow-up documentary called to Hungary will love explored how the original film inspired 150 British parents to move to Hungary with their children for conductive education.
The UK currently has about 30 providers of Conductive Education across the country which include a range of schools and charities.
What are the benefits of Conductive Education?
CE is all about potential and the person as a whole, it's educational system focuses on developing children as active participants in their learning. Furthermore, it also supports children in achieving greater independence and developing their personality.
Who can benefit?
CE was originally designed for children with Cerebral Palsy, however over time it has expanded to work with a wide range of children, these include;
- Dyspraxia
- Down Syndrome
- Spinal Bifida
- Ataxia
- Complex Medical Needs
- Acquired brain injury
- Global develop delay
- Genetic conditions
- Other Neurological movement disorders or syndromes.
How can Conductive Education sessions help my child?
CE sessions follow a flexible routine with specifically designed tasks. In sessions, we work on a variety of skills simultaneously, including:
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Educational goals - including colours and numbers
- Play skills
- Social skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
The core elements of Conductive Education
The Conductor
Is the name of the qualified person delivering the session.
In our training, we gain knowledge and understanding of different educational philosophy’s and understanding of how people learn, the impact of their condition and how to teach and guide them in a way which develops and facilitates their own learning. It is a unique combination of skills.
The Group
Is a supportive environment where children learn and develop social skills by working with and motivating each other.
The group is an important aspect of CE to not only help facilitate learning but provide support for not just the child but also the whole family.
The Daily Routine
Is a carefully planned timetable of tasks and activities tailored to the age and ability of the child.
CE's comprehensive method of learning takes into account that everyone has different learning needs to accomplish tasks. Therefore, sessions are flexible and can be more sensory orientated If needed, or be more focused on play skills, fine or gross motor skills or developing interaction. However, we do work on many skills simultaneously.
Task Series
Is a series of small, achievable, and functional movements performed in various positions (e.g., lying, sitting, standing) and children will learn to intend, plan and execute movement in a conscious action.
Rhythmical Intention
Is a specific language, counting, and songs to help support each activity for learning.
For example in the lying programme task series the task could be for the child to bend their left leg and put it flat. Depending on the child their age and understanding the rhythmical intention we would use would either be the same song each time. Or repeating the same word such as, I bend my left leg and put my left foot flat, flat, flat or count, for example I bend my left leg and I put my left foot flat 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. This also helps them to develop their communication and language skills.
Facilitation
We use techniques such as verbal prompts and physical guidance to support the learning process.
Observation
Is a continuous process used to track progress and further refine learning goals
The Learning Environment
Is a supportive environmenet designed to build motivation and encourage success, with the goal of transferring learned skills to new situations.
In sessions we provide an environment to;
Develop and improve gross and fine motor skills
Develop communication
Support sensory needs
Develop play and academic skills
Develop social skills
What happens in a Conductive Education session?
CE sessions follow a flexible routine with specifically designed tasks and activities.
A standard Individual Conductive Education session last 1 hour and costs £55 and this can be at your house or child's school.
A group session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and costs £30.
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