What is the MOVE programme? 

The MOVE Programme is a child centred framework, that enables disabled children and young people to gain independent movement. 

MOVE stands for Movement for Learning and Life. The MOVE philosophy is that movement is the foundation for learning.   

MOVE Europe is the charity that coordinates the MOVE Programme across the UK and Europe. Our vision is for every disabled young person to have choice and opportunities by learning independent movement. We work towards this by training education and therapy professionals in the MOVE Programme and providing ongoing support so that they can achieve the best outcomes possible for the disabled young people they support. 

MOVE focuses on what the child can already do, not what they cannot do.  It is a positive approach, and goals are set which are realistic, achievable and functional. The aim of MOVE is that children are given opportunities to learn and practise new skills on a daily basis which will help develop independence, family life, social skills and well-being. Every achievement is recognised and celebrated.   

MOVE combines education, therapy and family knowledge to teach the movement skills of sitting, standing, walking and transitioning between.  

Willow Dene School is a MOVE Centre of Excellence, and we hold the MOVE quality Mark. Our MOVE Lead is an associate trainer for MOVE.  

Willow Dene, on average, has about 30 children on a MOVE programme, 10 graduates, and around 30 children either on a Heads First or Breakout programme, which both develop pre-MOVE skills.   

At Willow Dene we have a MOVE Team that consists of the MOVE Lead, our Gym Specialist (Try-Cycle) and our AKKA Specialist.  

We enjoy celebrating MOVE achievements which we do regularly through the website, Twitter, newsletters and assemblies.  Annually, we join together to celebrate National MOVE Day.  

For more information on the MOVE Programme, or associate programmes such as Heads First, Breakout, Try-Cycle or AKKA, please contact the school and ask to speak to a member of the MOVE team or visit the MOVE Europe website: Home - MOVE Europe