Hello, are you looking forward to another Bank Holiday weekend? The weather's looking promising at last!
Since our March newsletter, we have taken significant steps forward. We're so happy to have almost all our families back on-site and some new children in our pre-school groups, and we're looking forward to welcoming Oscar and Harry, who are joining us after this half-term. Our Monday speech therapy sessions for children with Down's syndrome are also busy, and Karen and Miriam are hoping to see three more children attending in September.
Because we're still a Conductor down since Abbey moved on, increasing Gym Club numbers or bringing back our Saturday afternoon sessions is not yet an option, which sadly means some children are missing out. We are working on this as we do not like to see waiting lists!
Over the next few weeks, we're looking forward to making our centre more child-friendly again with colourful books, toys and other resources coming out of storage (we'll continue to follow recommended guidelines!).
Conductors seeking positions in the UK are almost as rare as hen's teeth! If you know a young person looking at career options supporting children or adults with movement disorders, please suggest Conductive Education. Once qualified, it's a skill that will take them worldwide if they desire or provide excellent job satisfaction here in the UK. Individuals can qualify through Birmingham City University, and the good news is that there are still places available for this September.
Training to become a Conductor is a fantastic career choice. Students gain a BA (Hons) Degree as well as Qualified Conductor Status. It is a hands-on practical course at degree level and provides the skills to help children and adults with movement disorders.
Students can carry out their practice placements in Conductive Education centres local to them or at NICE in Birmingham. With online learning now established, there is no need to move to Birmingham to study this course!
Please contact Marie McCann at mmccann@conductive-education.org.uk for details.
There's also an 18-24 month multi-disciplinary Conductor training scheme for individuals who already have a degree in teaching or nursing (ideally) - and we may have some good news to share here soon! Brexit has affected recruitment from Hungary (where CE was pioneered), so we need to grow more of our own!
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As we start to pick up the pieces, here's a quick look back to the year that
was April 2020/ March 2021!
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Once our Conductors had [quickly] learned the skills needed to work remotely and create online sessions from their homes, Zoom technology proved invaluable. It meant that we could provide limited support for our children and families ...
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But now, thanks to Global's Make Some Noise and I.T. companies' Exertis UK and XMA in Nottingham, we have the very latest technology to give children with additional needs the best learning experience, supporting a range of communication needs.
Such generosity will significantly enhance children's development on-site or at home, and we'll be able to offer an improved service to families should we ever have to enter another lockdown.
Each time a session is missed, progress is delayed, and then it takes so much longer for each child to learn how to master activities. This new equipment makes our group sessions more accessible for children and parents who may not be able to attend in person, and for those that can, it's a whole new level of learning and fun!
Jesse and Max are pictured using our fantastic new interactive board, working on their fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect - but mainly just enjoying a new toy!
We are so grateful, thank you.
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After the year that we have all experienced, we couldn't be more grateful for this support!
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Jane and Emma are mother and daughter and own The Bee's Knees preloved boutique in Hucknall.
They support Sharewear and other small charities like ours. We are their current charity and they are raising funds to buy equipment for our children. If you're having a clearout of good condition bags, jewellery, shoes and clothes, please donate to them and help make a big difference!
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Well done to all the Lady Bay School pupils, families and staff who took lots of steps for Footprints over the past few weeks, raising £3,506 to date. That's amazing, thank you! Lucie went along to the school to present certificates and thank everyone for their support. http://Lady Bay Footsteps for Footprints Tokyo Challenge
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There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers and at least 60-120 of those individuals currently attend Footprints with their child, along with the many hundreds that have used our services over the years.
At Footprints, our core philosophy is to support the parent/carer as well as supporting the child. We understand the pressures - the acute lack of sleep, the relentless appointments, the health and financial issues - it's challenging.
Please help us champion carers during Carers Week 7 - 13 June 2021.
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After a pretty rough time, we want to bring our amazing children, families, friends and supporters together to just ... have fun!
We have provisionally booked out the big hall at Iona School on Saturday 11 September (afternoon), so please pencil the date in your diary, and we'll keep you updated!
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CHARITY OF THE MONTH 🤝
On Saturday 5 June, 9.00 am to 12.30 pm, we will be at Ruddington Village Market. Lucie and the team will be there with a lovely range of handmade wooden gifts and hand-decorated tote bags to raise funds, so please pop down and lend your support. We are Ruddington Market's Charity of the Month too!
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The Footprints Cup is back!
Sunday 8 August 2021
from 11-am at Ilkeston Town FC.
Thanks to Paul Brooks for pulling it all together,
it promises to be a fantastic day for some family fun.
Get your tickets online here
https://bit.ly/TheFootprintsCup21Tickets
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Almost a sell-out!
The Little Footprints Ball
is on Friday 5 November
at Crowne Plaza Hotel.
For details, please email Lisa Fox at
little.footprints@outlook.com
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We're delighted to welcome Richard Andrews as a new trustee. Richard brings a range of skills and valuable experience and we're looking forward to him joining his first meeting on 3 June.
We're sorry to say goodbye to David Winnett after six years of supporting Footprints. Thank you, David, we wish you well.
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We are indebted to the organisations and individuals who helped fund our small charity during the lockdown, easing the pressure and ensuring that our centre survived. We're beginning to hope again, but it's going to be tough. However, we're determined to survive and thrive!
Thank you for helping to sustain and develop our work during a challenging time:
- Globals Make Some Noise
- The Samworth Trust
- NET Coronavirus Emergency Fund
- The National Lottery
- The Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust
- Little Footprints - Lisa Fox, Dave Taylor and [lots of] friends and small businesses - you have all been hugely supportive of our charity, keeping us going
Plus, BBC Children in Need, your ongoing support is invaluable.
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We'll be back on 14 June
after our half-term break!
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