Conductive Education
Conductive Education (CE) has been known about in the UK for many decades however is still frequently misunderstood. This is partly because of a lack of published research about the impact of this approach for people with neurological movement disorders.
The majority of CE providers are registered charities and focus primarily on providing services to local people. However CE, as an approach to teaching, learning and therapy, has much to offer our current service provision in the UK.
CE is based on a ‘simple’ concept of human potential; meaning that everyone has the capability to learn and develop irrespective of their starting point. Whilst most of us agree with this statement in practice many systems place barriers and boundaries on this learning. People with disabilities frequently spend much of their time being assessed for what they ‘cannot do’ rather than what potential they have. Conductors are highly trained to observe this potential in a person; to nurture their development and devise structured programmes to enable success. CE combines education, psychology and medical science and considers all aspects of the person simultaneously.
CE is based on a ‘simple’ concept of human potential; meaning that everyone has the capability to learn and develop irrespective of their starting point.
More information on how this approach can be found by clicking here.
CE has been more readily available in the UK since the late 1980’s but is also surrounded by myths about its practise. Conductors have a professional body (Professional Conductors Association) and this body looks at guidelines to ensure that the practise of CE links with the standards set for other professionals.
Conductors constantly seek opportunities to learn from other professionals to enhance their work however this is always in the context of the underlying philosophy inherited from András Petö.
Whilst there is little evidence based research a few articles demonstrate the effectiveness of this system. Personal stories of triumph and case studies also indicate the potential benefit of CE for many. Over the past three decades CE has not only survived but thrived in the UK with an increasing number of children and adults able to access services across the country.
NICE are an active member of the Conductive Education Consortium UK. CE centres across the UK joining together to promote the delivery of Conductive Education.
