SPARK developmental and co-ordination resources
Who is this pack for
This resource pack has been compiled for use in Primary Schools to help them identify children that have some difficulties with their developmental co-ordination and to provide them with some strategies that can be used immediately. The information can also be used by secondary schools, depending on the needs of the child.
For pre-school children there is an alternative resource called SPARKEY (PDF) which all preschools should have access to.
While the information in this pack is aimed at children with developmental co-ordination difficulties, careful note should be made of the precautionary measures which should be followed. Any activities used should be presented under the discretion of the school staff.
This information is very general and is not aimed specifically at the individual child. When a child is assessed by our service a report will be written which will include individual advice.
Please look at the Signs and Symptoms listed in section 2. If you recognise the specific difficulties listed as relevant for your child, please refer to the sections recommended.
Referral process
For a full outline of the referral process please refer to the flow chart in Section 3. You will also find a referral form in this section which needs to be completed when you wish to refer a child to the Paediatric Therapy Service.
It is important that the school implements the resources in this pack for one term prior to a referral into the Therapy service. This will give a clearer presentation of the child’s main difficulties and may also reduce the need for further intervention.
Supplemental information
The activity ideas listed throughout this resource pack are not exhaustive and can be supplemented with additional creative ideas and reading. There is a further resource list for this purpose in Appendix 3.
The Paediatric Therapy service also runs regular training courses to supplement the information in this pack. Please contact your local service for further information.
We hope that you will find this pack useful and that both you and the children have fun implementing the advice!
- SPARK pack heading (PDF)
- Index (PDF)
- SECTION 1 - Introduction (PDF)
- SECTION 2 - A Brief word on Co-ordination Difficulties (PDF)
- SECTION 3 - Symptoms you may encounter Referral Flow Chart and Referral Form (PDF)
- SECTION 3A (page 3) - Swindon Referrals to SPARK (PDF)
- SECTION 5 - Precautionary Measures (PDF)
- SECTION 6 - How to grade tasks and encourage independence (PDF)
- SECTION 7 - Strategies for Improving Attention and Activity levels (PDF)
- SECTION 8 - Organisational Skills (PDF)
- SECTION 8 - (pages 3 and 4) - Techniques (PDF)
- SECTION 9 - The Development of Movement Patterns (PDF)
- SECTION 10 - Integrated Classroom Ideas (PDF)
- SECTION 11 - Correct Sitting Posture (PDF)
- SECTION 12 - Strategies for Improving Handwriting (PDF)
- SECTION 13 - Strategies for Stationary – scissors and compass skills (PDF)
- SECTION 14 - Using a Knife and Fork (PDF)
- SECTION 14 - Buttons (PDF)
- SECTION 14 - Tying a Tie (PDF)
- SECTION 14 - Zips (PDF)
- SECTION 15 - Strategies for improving Visual Perceptual Skills (PDF)
- SECTION 16 - Multi-Sensory Strategies (PDF)
- SECTION 17 - Examples of Group Plans (PDF)
- APPENDIX 2 - Resources and Leisure Activities in the Community (PDF)
- APPENDIX 4 - Acknowledgements (PDF)
