OUTLINE

SAQ® Training is a system of progressive exercise and instruction aimed at developing fundamental motor abilities, balance, co-ordination and ultimately better control of body movement.

Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ®) Training evolved through the need for elite athletes to be trained so that they could produce explosive multi-directional movement i.e. functional movements.

Traditionally it had been assumed that multi-directional speed and power were genetically determined ‘God given gifts’, in actual fact these abilities can be trained.

Therefore all individuals regardless of their age and current level of movement ability including ADHD, Dyspraxia, Cerebral Palsy and Dyslexia have the potential to develop more efficient, economic and effective multi-directional movement.

Movement difficulties and inclusive movement. Ideal for all ages and conditions including ADHD, Dyspraxia, Cerebral Palsy and Dyslexia.

How does this happen?

SAQ® Training stimulates and re-opens neural pathways, it is this increased neuro-muscular activity that facilitates improved movement.

Once these movements have been experienced they become engrained into the muscle memory. Movement repetition will strengthen the memory ensuring that when recalled the memory and movement pattern produced is of a high quality.

Movement Patterns and Motor Development/Kinaesthetic Programming

A movement pattern is a specific arrangement of muscle actions (kinaesthetic programme) necessary to achieve a desired outcome. These generic movement patterns form the foundations and are key pre-requisites for specific skill development e.g. running and stopping are pre-requisites to the development of good dodging and swerving skills.

By the age of 7 most children will have developed generic movement pattern templates providing they have had the opportunities and stimuli necessary to do so. However, some children will require longer and need greater intervention for their movement pattern development. Further progress is made as children combine, modify and convert movement patterns into specific and specialist skills.

In summary, the acquisition of sound foundations through the development of movement patterns is crucial for progress in all children. Although there are not distinct stages, there are global phases of motor development that children should pass through.

Birth - 2yr	2 - 6yrs	6/7yr - Puberty	Puberty
Basic skills acquied Posture a precursor to: Locomotion Manipulation	Development of all basic motor skill patterns: running, skipping, climbing, dressing, washing, writing etc.	Skill refinement	Ability to respond to situational demands, process info and make decisions.

Individuals with special educational needs are often assessed on what they can not do rather than on what they can do! Although it is fair to say many children with SEN will develop at a slower rate than their chronological age might suggest this population group are often less likely to be given the opportunities to experience situations that will improve their movement vocabulary. Without these opportunities it is only natural that muscle memory and movement skills will not develop to anywhere near their potential.

It is highly probable that this lack of movement ability will have a negative impact on the individual’s self-esteem, confidence and ability to learn and master fine motor skills.

It is important to be aware that this is not only a problem for children with special educational needs but for many children in today’s society who have under-developed gross motor skills.

“Research indicates there is a link between problems such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism and deficits in motor skills and a major factor in tackling these problems is to provide structured and sequential motor programmes at all stages of a child’s development.” Dr Madeleine Portwood (Chief Ed Pyschologist Co Durham, Chair of Dyspraxia Foundation)

Aims

The aims of the Preliminary Award in Developing Movement Skills of Children with Special Educational Needs are;

• To provide knowledge and practical skills in SAQ® Training for teachers, support staff, parents and all those working with children with special educational needs and associated movement difficulties.
• To help attendees identify and evaluate their children’s movement difficulties.
• To assist practitioners who work with children with special educational needs to develop their children’s fundamental movement skills.
• To introduce the SAQ® Continuum and show how its structure and flexibility can be used to improve and develop co-ordination, balance, agility, mechanical efficiency, strength and reactions.
• To ensure that important health and safety points are considered when using the SEN Programme.
• To demonstrate how SAQ® Training can contribute to an inclusive learning environment for all children.

Assessment

• 1 Multiple Choice Questionnaire (open book)
• Design a population specific SAQ® Training programme
• Deliver a phase of SAQ® Training

Status

•  ‘SAQ® Trainer’ license (valid for 18 months, easy to renew)
• Level 1 NCFE Award
• National Coaching Certificate compliant
• Dyspraxia Foundation endorsed
• Special Olympics GB endorsed
• Sportscoach UK signposted.
• Next step is I-Diploma

 WHY DO IT?

Unlock physical potential using applied sports science

Structure and deliver:

• Physical Education to enable those with movement and learning diffi culties to establish and improve fundamental physical literacy
• Inclusive fundamental movement training to underpin skill development
• Fitness training to inspire interest in physical activity for life
• Health-related fitness solutions to empower and improve access to education opportunities and the community.
• Fun, flexible and sustainable activities and exceed participation targets
• Work with individuals and groups of all ability levels in all environments

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT IT (click here for more testimonials)

"It is easy to follow, making it ideal for parents and anyone working with children and young people, providing a structured learning opportunity and allowing children to obtain and improve essential movement skills. Dr Madeleine Portwood, Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist, Co Durham

Very useful ideas to use with my whole Year 1 class - not just SEN children. Excellent! Award evaluation

Inclusion for all is an educational aim. Using SAQ® we have been able to enable and encourage access to PE by all of our children  Jenny Smith, PE Co-ordinator St Peter and St Paul CE Primary School, Syston

RIGHT CLICK HERE to download one-page OUTLINE