Ben’s MOVE Story: exceeding expectations

Ben is a pupil at Wyvern Academy in Dorset. Here, Anne-Marie Ben’s MOVE Coordinator tells us the amazing progress Ben has made on the MOVE Programme:

“When Ben joined the MOVE Programme, he required a significant level of support, needing help to sit, stand and transfer. Due to his complex medical needs, Ben also required a high level of medical support. In the past, Ben’s health varied from good to very poor and his movement was limited, always facilitated by the adults around him. Key professionals had placed low expectations on Ben’s potential for development.

When his mum was introduced to the MOVE Programme, it gave the family hope. Working on positive goals set by his family, Ben’s teacher and wider school staff provided him with opportunities throughout the learning day to work towards his goals, developing vital functional movement skills. From time in class, rebound and hydrotherapy to exploring outside areas, opportunities for Ben to develop his movement skills became seamlessly integrated into his day with all those supporting him through MOVE’s collaborative approach.

Sitting skills

Before starting on MOVE, Ben required multiple supports when sitting, but now he has generalised his sitting skills and is now able to sit confidently in different environments.

During circle time, Ben used to sit in his wheelchair supported by a chest harness and pelvic lap strap, which meant that he was at a different height to his peers. He can now sit independently on a therapy bench during circle time, which allows him to interact with other children while he learns. Ben has also developed his movement while sitting and can reach forward to grasp objects, which has helped him develop his play skills because he can reach for toys he wants instead of relying on others to pass them to him.

Alongside these social skills, Ben has developed more physical strength and he is now able to bring himself from lying down to sitting up. He is continuing to build his sitting skills by learning to sit independently on the changing table, which will mean that he can help his parents to dress and undress him. This will give him more independence and reduce pressure on his parents.

Standing and walking skills

MOVE has enabled Ben to learn skills no one would have thought he could, including walking with support. He can manoeuvre his walker really well and has also learnt some very good techniques for turning and reversing. Getting around independently means he can make choices about where he wants to go and who he wants to interact with. This has made a huge difference to his social interactions because it enables to him approach the other pupils to play instead of sitting and waiting for them to come to him. Ben’s inquisitive nature has been brought out by this new-found independence – he loves using his walker to explore the school and visit his friends in different classes.

Recently, Ben has learnt to stand independently behind a classroom table which has enabled him to engage with his favourite toys and familiar adults who are huge motivators for Ben. Ben’s class team have noticed how much more engaged in learning Ben is when standing

Improving family life

Ben’s ability to sit, stand and walk also have a beneficial impact on family. His mum is thrilled by his progress on the programme:

“MOVE has improved our home life immensely, Ben is now able to move around the house in his walker with purpose and independence, which has been lovely to see. The first time Ben got himself up into a sitting position and was able to maintain this was a real WOW moment. It has meant that Ben can finally sit on the floor and play with his younger brother! MOVE has given him a better and more functional life and has opened up so many possibilities for him.”

Ben’s family remain at the heart of Ben’s MOVE journey and continue to play a huge role in supporting Ben to develop his skills at home including being able to sit independently during personal care routines everyday.

Everyone is so proud of what Ben has achieved on the MOVE Programme, challenging the low expectations previously set. We will look forward to continuing to see Ben thrive as he learns new skills to ultimately increase his independence and confidence. Well done Ben!