The latest Ofsted inspection report on the National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE) run by The Foundation for Conductive Education in Birmingham in September 2007 has found “NICE provides a good quality education, with outstanding care and provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. As a result, they make good academic progress, and outstanding progress in personal development and the development of physical skills”.

NICE offers a range of flexible services for physically disabled children from 0-11 years at its main site in Moseley as well as at a pilot inclusion project within Great Barr Primary School in North Birmingham which was also visited by the Ofsted inspector who said “this is extremely successful and the children make rapid and sometimes astounding progress, for example in developing the use of their hands and moving freely and independently around school and in the playground”.

Remarking on NICE, the report’s writer felt that “the children’s attitudes to learning are outstanding. Determination to succeed is shown clearly on their faces, and their pride in what they do is equally evident. ….. Children in all groups are well prepared for the next step in their education and contributing to, the local and wider community. They are taught to value and appreciate one another because they are respected and valued themselves”.

The inspector highlighted this when she reported “A delightful example of this was seen in an encounter between two toddlers in the parent-child group. Each worked harder to knock down their tower of bricks when they could stand next to one another and enjoy each other’s success”.

Wendy Baker, Head Teacher and Director of Children’s Services at NICE said “We are delighted that the inspector praised our work which combines the national curriculum with Conductive Education to promote activity and independence for children with physical disabilities”.

The full Ofsted report can be found on www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports - NICE unique reference number is 103588.

The Parent & Child programme for 0-3 years is free thanks to support from Zurich Community Trust who also provide one-off bursaries to support families’ travel or accommodation attending NICE. For more information on the services at NICE for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities contact us on 0121 449 1569 or www.conductive-education.org.uk.

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For further information, please contact Lesley Peat on 0121 449 1569 or lesleyp@conductive-education.org.uk – photographs available.