MOVE in Scotland
Christine Shaw MCSP is a paediatric physiotherapist and has been the Development Manager for MOVE Scotland since June 2000. During this period she has spearheaded the following projects:
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“Moving Forward Together” which ended in March 2002
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“Partnerships for the Future” currently ongoing.
The Scottish project is an excellent example of MOVE’s success. At present, over 70 Scottish schools are using the MOVE programme. Some have been using it for several years - others are at the conceptual stage. Children who have not been able to achieve certain tasks are now achieving them with ease. For example, being able to hold their own glass, sit unaided on an ordinary chair or even to walk independently. As a result the programme is receiving considerable interest from families, schools and local authorities.
Regional Development Programmes
Individual regional development programmes are supported through local authority agreements with MOVE. Highland, Fife, Dumfries & Galloway, Moray, Mid Lothian, East Lothian, City of Edinburgh Health and Education authorities have agreed to fully finance the MOVE Programme in this way. This means that after a period of two - three years MOVE will be available to every child who might benefit from the programme, whether in a mainstream or a special needs setting. Glasgow has carried out a one-year pilot study with a view to developing the programme.
As news of the programme’s success spreads, other Scottish authorities are showing interest in initiating agreements with MOVE. This has led to the formation of several multi-agency steering groups within those authorities. This collaboration is the first step towards drawing up individual regional proposals and integrating the MOVE Programme into schools, nurseries or child development centres.
If you are interested in hearing more about MOVE for your child, setting up a MOVE agreement in your region or in initiating the programme into a school or centre in Scotland, please contact Christine Shaw on 0131 339 7555 or Christine@move-europe.org.uk for more information.