Proact-SciprUK Conference Booklet

Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

“Using Creative Arts to Create Positive Outcomes�

Conference for professionals, parents & carers who specialise in the education and care of individuals who display behaviours of concern.

utilising creatice arts*meaningfull engagement*best practice* creativity*positive outcomes*proactive*care*autism*music *practical**dance movement*support* quality of life* community*self-esteem* lego therapy*

Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

“Using Creative Arts to Create Positive Outcomes” The purpose of the conference was to provide delegates with an insight in to how creative arts can enable us to create positive outcomes for the individuals we support. The two days were designed to make links between practice and theory with the main focus being to explore the relationship between the creative arts and positive outcomes and consider the benefits of how the creative arts can help to raise an individual’s self-esteem and improve quality of life and develop the individual’s self-esteem.

We were pleased to welcome delegates from a variety of backgrounds to include Education and Health and Social Care as well as parents and carers.

The conference began with a presentation by Janet Bromley – the Conference Chair to set the scene, challenge perceptions and highlighting the importance of creativity for everyone in contributing to self-fulfilment and improved self-esteem and as such minimise the requirement for reactive strategies and / or restraint in the provision of support.

This was followed by a presentation by the keynote speaker Dr Martin Doherty. Martin, a senior lecturer from the University of East Anglia. Martin’s presentation ‘Examining the relationship between autism and creativity’ discussed his research article Science Daily – August 13, 2016 which found that “people with high levels of autistic traits are more likely to produce unusually creative ideas. They might not run through things in the same way as someone without these traits would to get the typical ideas, but go directly to less common ones. In other words, the associative or memory-based route to being able to think of different ideas is impaired, whereas the specific ability to produce unusual responses is relatively unimpaired or superior.” This study which was co-authored with Dr. Catherine Best from the University of Stirling was the first study to find a link between autistic traits and the creative thinking processes which may have positive implications for creative problem solving.

This presentation was followed by an insight into practice with a presentation from Gina Davies, who is both a Speech and Language Therapist and Autism Consultant.

Gina has worked in the field of Special Educational Needs as a speech and language therapist for over 30 years in both clinic and education and family settings. Gina set up and ran an early intervention centre – a specialist nursery for children with autism where speech and language therapy and teaching were integrated into an intensive specialist early intervention curriculum.

For the last 12 years Gina has been taking the work developed within the specialist nursery setting to a wider age range and variety of educational placements - both specialist and mainstream.

Gina’s approach was both passionate and engaging as well as motivating. She clearly promoted the importance of a real understanding of communication, the impact of autism on learning and the need to involve the children in dynamic and engaging activities.

Gina’s presentation: ‘The joy of meaningful engagement and shared good times - keeping intervention practical, doable and fun!

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018 This presentation reminded us as to how easy it is to forget the importance of fun and fascination as SMART targets and measurable outcomes begin to add to the pressure. Highlighting that shared attention and involvement in meaningful activity that inspires the child’s attention is possible and desirable. If we give ourselves licence to laugh and use activities that offer an irresistible invitation to learn we can address important issues around wellbeing as well as targeting communication and social interaction skills. In this talk Gina outlined ways this approach can be used with children on the autism spectrum.

The final presentation of the morning was by Professor Adam Ockelford – Professor of Music at Roehampton University who was accompanied by Derek Paravicini, an extraordinary pianist. We were privileged to hear Derek play both during the presentation and then again at the Conference Dinner.

Adam is Director of Applied Music Research in particular he focus’ on music psychology and the development of special musical abilities in the context of autism and Derek is one of the most extraordinary pianists and musical entertainers of his generation, giving concerts in venues across England, Europe and the USA even performing twice at Buckingham Palace - ‘yet he is blind, autistic and has severe learning disabilities’ – a real example of what can be achieved. The presentation ‘Providing music education to individuals with Autism & LD.’ considered the impact of autism on musical engagement, and the potential effect this has on the way that children and young people develop musically. Video examples and demonstrations by Derek were included to illustrate some of the advantages of perceiving and thinking about sounds in a different way from most ‘neurotypical’ people. The implications of this for music education and employment were also explored.

This concluded an action packed morning.

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

Bloomin Arts followed after lunch with their presentation: ‘The Work of Bloomin Arts Theatre Company.’ Bloomin’ Arts Theatre Company, are an integrated group of performing and visual artists from East Surrey. They provide adults with learning and physical disabilities the opportunity to work together creatively in the community. As a team they devise performances and specialist projects for touring. Everyone has their role: actor, costume, set, prop maker, marketing and organisation.

Bloomin’ Arts as an organisation provides possibilities to take part in the arts at whatever level an individual chooses. For some, that level is professional. Over the past three years the company has performed in National and Regional arts festivals such as The RSC Stratford open air theatre, The Rose Theatre, Kingston “Let Me In” festival, The Royal Holloway Magna Carta festival and RHS Wisely Arts festival.

Bob Evans- President of the Rotary club of Oxted and

Limpsfield “It was a wonderful show with brilliant

acting, movement, costumes, script and stage set. Keep

up the excellent work in providing opportunities for people to develop and enjoy their artistic abilities” Everyone plays their part: actor, musician, “I am impressed by the serious

professional committed way in which artists supported by

Bloominʼ Arts work together.” Karl Newman from Surrey Arts Two members of the theatre company came and provided an outline of what they have achieved and their productions. Throughout their presentation they illustrated how working together and supporting each other through the arts has enabled them to achieve recognition and outstanding performances.

This concluded the formal presentations and was followed by a number of workshops designed to extend our thinking and provide inspiration – see list below.

The Loddon School. - ‘Utilising the creative arts & therapies in an education setting.’

Lee Gore, Teacher, St Nicholas School. ‘Creative curriculum approaches to enhance pupil engagement and reduce behaviour.’

Rachel O’Sullivan, Head of Occupational Therapy & Katie Wade, Senior Occupational Therapist, The Hesley Group. - ‘Our creative journey to the HesFest 2017 ......... and beyond!’

Lesley Fleming, Autism Practice Lead & Head of Expressive Arts, Autism Initiatives. - ‘Creative arts to create positive outcomes.

Every workshop was presented by a PROACT-SCIPr-UK® organisation and provided an opportunity to showcase their work and provide others with ideas to take away.

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018 Later that same evening there was the traditional Conference Dinner, with a drinks reception with a special musical interlude provided by Derek Paravicini on the piano – a real conference treat. This provided an opportunity for networking and celebration as the meal was followed by the presentation of awards to celebrate good practice.

Instructor Of The Year This award acknowledges the important role of a PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor within an organisation. The PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor is key to the successful implementation of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK®approach and the provision of positive individualised support.

WINNER *Instructor of the year* Megan Dent - Priory Adult Care Megan has gone above and beyond in terms of providing both proactive training and ensuring timely risk management review of intervention packages for the individual’s that Priory support in their services across the South West of the UK.

Megan is a very experienced PROACT-SCIPr-UK® trainer and

provides valauable PBS knowledge behind slides to support

participants to better understand taught material and context surrounding behaviours that challenge.

In addition Sarah Duxbury who has co-trained with Megan

since becoming an Instructor said “ Megan has helped

shape my practice and build my confidence and skills in providing the course.”

RUNNER UP *Instructor of the year* Tracie Gudgeon - Lifeways Tracie was nominated by Loddon Training & Consultancy and in particular Joanne Young as it is very clear that she works tirelessly to both change staff’s approaches and educate local authorities’ in order to minimise the use of restrictive practice.

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

Marion Cornick Award for Innovative Practice This award recognises innovative approaches to the implementation of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® pushing the boundaries to achieve positive outcomes.

WINNER *Marion Cornick Award for Innovative Practice* Stephen King - Kent County Council

Stephen was nominated by Russell Ames a fellow Principal Instructor and Dave Jenner a PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor

and Key Stage 3 Manager who said of Stephen: “Stephen has been a passionate and dedicated advocate of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® for many years.” Within St Nicholas

School he has been central to the development of an

organisational culture in which the principles of positive

behaviour support underpin all our practice. He has achieved this not only through the upskilling of staff through formal training but by consistently modelling outstanding practice with all students and in the most challenging situations.

More widely Stephen has played a leading role in developing the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Network in Kent by expanding the network instructor training team in Kent Special Schools and by delivering training in mainstream schools and to other organisations. His commitment to PROACT-SCIPr-UK® is unwavering and he deserves recognition for the everyday example he sets as well as for the far reaching impact that his practice has had throughout Kent.

Stephen has been an inspiration to all he has worked tirelessly to drive the Kent Network forward and ensure that it reaches out to as many special schools in the area as possible, resulting in continued growth. He has a clear vision of providing the best quality provision for all special schools, through creating a strong PROACT-SCIPr-UK® vision based on positive behaviour principles.

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

RUNNER UP *Marion Cornick Award for Innovative Practice* Sarah Duxbury - Priory Adult Care Sarah was nominated by Megan Dent, a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner from their organisation who said: “Sarah is a committed PROACT-SCIPr-UK®Instructor, she demonstrates extensive knowledge when delivering her training but also within her day to day job role. Sarah has introduced proxemics into her PROACT-SCIPr-UK® training to reduce risks and support delegates’ understanding in the importance of space. This addition to the training has been well received by delegates and feedback has indicated that delegates found the addition to training very helpful. Sarah has also developed a restraint reduction tool, this tool is user friendly and easy to use.

The restraint reduction tool prompts the individual completing the tool to consider all restrictions for an individual and make a plan to reduce them. The tool is now being used throughout Priory Adult Care by managers and other Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners as a starting point for writing Positive Behaviour Support Plans.”

Dinner entertainment from Lisa Davies - Bubble Yogi

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

Best Practice Award For this award we look for an individual or a team that has offered exceptional support and encouragement to an individual or individuals supported by their organisation within the past year by utilising a whole approach to make a difference for them and enabling them to live a fulfilling life.

WINNER *Best Practice Award* April Cottage - Priory Adult Care

April Cottage were nominated by Emma Rafferty – Regional

Behaviour Specialist, Priory Adult Care. The staff team in

April cottage support 6 ladies who have been resettled from

long term institutional care to the community. Over the last

5 years the staff have been committed to developing their

skills and knowledge in how best to support the residents to

improve their quality of life and independence. Staff have

demonstrated a commitment to the ethos of ® PROACT SCIPr UK and implement this in their everyday practice improving outcomes for their residents… To mention one example staff identified a resident who was displaying challenging behaviour to get her needs met as she had no formal communication in place. Staff requested input from SALT and now implement Object of reference communication system. This has resulted in less incidents of challenging behaviour and improved wellbeing for the resident. Furthermore, if new staff are recruited they request these staff are trained in Object of Reference as quickly as possible to ensure continuity of care.

RUNNER UP *Best Practice Award* Seashell Trust Instructor Team The runner up for this award was the Seashell Trust PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor Team, who were nominated by Loddon Training & Consultancy for demonstrating a firm commitment to a values based approach and enormous effort to ensure an effective transfer to PROACT-SCIPr-UK® throughout the organisation. They continue to strive to ensure that the support that they provide to the children and adults within their organisation is of the highest possible quality.

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018 The second day opened with a presentation from Jon Adams an Associate Artist who himself had a late diagnosis of Autism. Jon’s presentation Autism and creativity and how your synesthetic experience shapes your experience of the world was from a personal perspective and was extremely thought provoking. Jon spoke of feeling different from an early age and how he saw and continues to see the world with a ‘different lens’‘.’ Jon spoke of how he has always been wary of other people’s interactions and how from his experiences he has come to the conclusion that people can either ‘make or break’ you. He spoke of the impact of mistreatment deliberate or not, and how this can lead to the addition of mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the weight of a long list of other issues to be dealt with on a daily basis.

In conclusion Jon left us with the following thought about feeling different: “I wouldn’t change anything other than maybe people’s attitudes and their understanding but that’s something hopefully I can help to achieve with the work I make and show”.

By contrast Jon’s presentation was followed by Anna Kennedy OBE, founder of ‘Anna Kennedy online’ which focuses on raising awareness of people with Autism.

Anna Kennedy Online is a small charity established to raise awareness of Autism across the globe. Over the past seven years they have moved from strength to strength with the greatest momentous point through formation of a legendary show called ‘Autism’s Got Talent’ which has received high media attention and showcases amazingly talented performances by adults and children with autism. The performers consist of singers, actors, musicians, and dance troupes, who fly the flag for autism and show what people with autism are capable of.

‘Autism’s Got Talent’ provides a powerful statement and abundant opportunity to replace the negative perceptions of disability and inclusion with optimism and inspiration which celebrates Autism which is unique to any other show across the world.

Anna’s presentation showcased their work and raised our awareness of what individuals with Autism can achieve through the performing arts. Anna’s commitment and enthusiasm shone through throughout her presentation as well as demonstrating a firm sense of sell deserved pride for what everyone has and continues to achieve through the arts and creativity, This practical theme continued after lunch with a presentation from Honor Coombs, a specialist SEND Teacher and Consultant who introduced Lego® in to the mix when she delivered her presentation on using ‘Lego® for building social and communication skills’

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

Honor explained how Lego® Therapy has been very successfully used as a medium for improving social communication skills, sharing what she has learnt. These experiences in using Lego® based therapy was with pupils in both mainstream and special schools, with a range of social, emotional, communication and learning difficulties. Honor provided an opportunity for everyone in the audience to engage with the Lego, participate in group activities and experience for themselves how Lego can support the development of both social and communication skills.

Honor certainly achieved her aim which was to leave us with the confidence to identify individuals who will benefit and plan how to introduce a Lego® based intervention.

Jackie Edwards, a registered Dance, Movement Psychotherapist

followed. Jackie is a Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist

working for the NHS within an Arts Psychotherapies team and

represents the Arts Psychotherapies on the Learning Disability

Senate. She is also a Ph.D. candidate at Bristol University and won

the Body, Movement and Dance Psychotherapy (BMDP)

international journal new researcher award and the Royal College

of Psychiatry carer contribution award in 2014. She has previous

experience of working with local authorities, the Department of Health, the National Autism Programme Board, and is a Member of the Challenging Behaviour National Strategy Group.

Jackie’s presentation, ‘Using movement-based communication and the creative arts psychotherapists for children with autism.’ Discussed the use of Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the context of supporting non-verbal communication and expressing psychological and emotional needs. Once again the group were asked to participate, moving around the room, looking up, looking down and looking straight ahead providing valuable feedback regarding their experiences and giving thought to the contributions of Dance Movement Psychotherapy to addressing behaviour described as challenging. Finally Jackie concluded by making connections with the value of these ways of working for parents and children with autism.

Simon Kaponda from the Special Education Association – Zambia (SEAZ) followed with a presentation which provided a slightly different perspective in that he shared the positive influence of practice, experience and training from The Loddon Foundation, through Marion Cornick MBE – founder of The Loddon School and Chair of Trustees at The Loddon Foundation and Dr. Gill Barrett, Principal of The Loddon School has had and will continue to have in Zambia. Simon described the joint working which has taken place and the strategy and aspirations SEAZ have for the future of Special Education in Zambia which will be influenced by practice shared to include aspects of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® and PLLUSS® which will no doubt promote positive outcomes for children in Zambia too. This presentation described just how through knowledge, skills and commitment positive approaches and creativity can change lives, promote fulfilment and raise self – esteem for individuals with Special Needs not only nationally but internationally too!

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Loddon Training & Consultancy - Autumn Conference 2018

Special thanks go to Integrex for exhibiting their products

Thank You to all those who attended & supported our conference.

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Positively Supporting Individual Development Positively Supporting Independent Development ********

For further information please contact us: Loddon Training & Consultancy Telephone: 01256 461273 Email: enquiries@proact-scipr-uk.com Website: www.proact-scipr-uk.com

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