Earlier this year Martin Gallagher, our CEO, visited Pace with two of our Trustees, Chris Williams and Robin Walker. We had just given the Charity a grant to help them develop their Buckinghamshire pilot schools-based therapy programme and were keen to visit to see the great work they do.
Pace – what they do
Pace is a specialist charity that is committed to ensuring that children with neurodisabilities have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life and can take their place in the world. Fundamental to their approach is a belief in every child’s ability to learn and make progress, whatever the physical or sensory challenges they face. Pace delivers life-changing educational and clinical support to babies, toddlers, children and young people with complex neurodisabilities and practical support and advice to their families. They strive to continually advance best practice in their field,
School-Based Therapy
Finding the right expertise and support for children with additional needs can be very challenging, especially for schools. Pace provides occupational therapy and physiotherapy services to around 280 children in three local maintained special schools in Aylesbury.
You can find out more about the pilot schools-based therapy programme by visiting Pace’s website: https://thepacecentre.org/commissioning-services/
Ian Sansbury, CEO of Pace:
The Clare Foundation’s support for our work with children with special educational needs and disabilities in Buckinghamshire primary schools has come at a really critical time. Recent years have seen very substantial local and national increases in the number of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social emotional and mental health challenges (SEMH), behavioural challenges, school refusal and motor coordination challenges (including difficulty with handwriting and in accessing PE). At Pace, we recognise the key role that the county’s primary schools, teachers and teaching assistants have in supporting those children well – and that they need to be better equipped through training and practical support to play that important role. We are delighted that the Clare Foundation is supporting our Buckinghamshire pilot schools-based therapy programme, which will provide a new and highly impactful approach to supporting these children and ensuring they can thrive in all they do.
Robin Walker, Vice Chairman, The Clare Foundation:
Pace do great work for children and families where neurodisabilities affect them. This area is growing in numbers and at times seems left behind by the Government help. It was good to understand that Pace is here to provide help to children and families affected and TCF is only too happy to contribute to that work.
Chris Williams, Chair of Charity Services, The Clare Foundation:
I am amazed at the excellent work of Pace over a number of years, they are leaders in their field and certainly a hugely valuable asset to the community in the County. Ian Sansbury (CEO) and his team are innovators and the work they do will, I am sure, make a difference, delighted that we are able to support this Pilot Programme.
