Foundation continues to promote inclusivity for disabled young people through special schools programme

As part of our support of the Level Playing Field initiative this week, we’re proud to say that Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has delivered its Disability Schools programme to every special school within the London Boroughs of Haringey, Enfield, Waltham Forest and Barnet since 2006.

The programme sees the Foundation’s Equalities and Inclusion team work closely with special schools to deliver bespoke sports and education activities for students each week.

Using a combination of multi-sports and personalised games, specialist coaches from the Foundation encourage pupils to build positive relationships through sports participation.

Sessions are tailored to suit each individual’s needs making them accessible so that all participants can benefit from the activities which promote key skills such as balance, coordination, communication, concentration, problem solving, team work, following instructions and the difference between winning and losing.

The Foundation plays an integral part at local special schools by not only giving students access to high quality sports coaching but also by mentoring teaching staff on how to deliver inclusive sports. This provides schools with the tools and knowledge they need to take a lead in shaping and delivering sports activities.

The Foundation also supports mainstream schools offering advice and expertise in developing inclusion programmes that focus on students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Haringey special school, The Vale, which provides specialist education for children with disabilities, has been working with the Foundation for a number of years.

Deputy Head Tony Millard said: “The Foundation is a visionary organisation focused on improving the lives of local young people with disabilities and their families. Together we’ve increased the number of sports activities that our students have access to and provided training and advice for our teachers support staff.

“Everyone at the school – staff and students – look forward to the sports sessions each week – it’s a great way of having fun together whilst learning key skills.”

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has created over 2.4 million life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged people through its education, employment, health, equalities and inclusion and sports development programmes. Over 13,000 opportunities have been delivered to people with disabilities, with this number continuing to rise on both a local and international level.

James Isaac, Health and Equalities Manager at Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said:  “Our disability programmes are based on the belief that understanding choice, independence and inclusion from a young age can help to build life skills in young people, aiding their personal and physical development.

“In the last ten years, we’ve worked with every special school in our surrounding boroughs and continue to develop new and existing disability sports programmes that give local people access to inclusive sports provision.”

For more information about Level Playing Field please visit www.levelplayingfield.org.uk