The Lighthouse Trust

Public benefits

In considering the benefits flowing from the advancement of education, it is submitted that pupils, affected by motor and other cerebral conditions achieve an improved quality of life achieved through the development of cognitive and movement functionality and the building of self-esteem and personal development. In demonstrating the benefits that

flow from the advancement of education it is submitted that this can best be viewed through the system of conductive education utilised by the Trust in its summer school. Conductive education is an educational system seeking to enable children and adults with motor disorders to reach their full potential. Pupils are predominantly affected by cerebral palsy. The system of education combines therapeutic, educational and social practices to enable children and adults to achieve improved quality of life. The conductive educational system seeks to improve the pupil’s self-esteem, confidence and abilities and seeks to create an atmosphere of shared understanding amongst pupils and the wider public. It should be stressed that the educational system itself is not prescribed as a cure for motor disease but rather as a tool of assistance for pupils and their families through the provision of benefits to both pupils and their families. A primary purpose of the educational medium is to ensure that pupils are motivated through ‘fun’ through the provision of games, music, singing, memory improvement aimed at assisting cognitive and movement functionality. Pupils are also encouraged to become involved in the structure and planning of activities during the school term. 2. The Relief of Disability In considering the benefits flowing from the relief of disability, it has already been stated that the Trust provides a summer school for children and adults with motor disorders throughout July and August in Donaghadee. It is submitted that pupils, affected by motor and other cerebral conditions achieve an improved quality of life achieved through the development of cognitive and movement functionalityThis is particularly important given that the participants within the School are able to benefit from assistance and support covering the period of mainstream, special schools or third sector training closures. This ensures that students continue to develop cognitive and movement functions outside the traditional timeframe of the educational system. In demonstrating the benefits that flow from the advancement of conductive education, we are assured by the medical specialists, therapists and teachers that improvement is significant, but varies for each child according to their potential. In considering any possible harm that may flow from the purposes, this is offset by the expertise of the health care professionals and prior assessment of the pupils to attain their suitability to attend the summer school. Where pupils are in necessitous circumstances, the Trustees have sought to endeavour to reduce costs for particular pupils within the limitation of the fundraising. This significant subsidy allows the term to be delivered at a more affordable and accessible costs for parents. There are no administrative costs associated with the running of the School. There are no private benefits arising from the activities of the Trust in its educational activities. In considering the intended beneficiaries of the work of the Trust, the Summer School is intended to benefit children and adults currently aged from 6mths to 25 years affected by motor disorders. The Trust seeks to ensure that potential pupils are assessed prior to the start of term by a qualified teacher/therapist in order to ensure that the pupil will benefit from the conductive educational system. Assessments are carried out on the basis of movement and/or cognitive function. These assessment aid the Trust in ensuring the appropriate support and help is delivered.

What your organisation does

The organisation provides a summer school for children and adults with motor disorders throughout July and August in the Parish Centre, Donaghadee. Full details are set out in the public benefit statement and supporting deed.