The Hope Centre provides services for children and young people (aged 3–19 years) with a wide range of learning disabilities and educational needs. The Hope Centre specialises in developing children’s thinking skills, and gives students the tools to become confident and independent learners. Tuition is either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. A wide range of services, including dynamic assessment, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy are offered.
The Hope Centre also offers a range of training courses to schools parents and professionals incorporating the unique methodology devised by Professor Reuven Feuerstein.
In May 2008 the Hope Charity joined Norwood’s umbrella of children and family services. The expertise provided by Hope will complement Norwood's Binoh service, as well as Norwood's planned involvement with the Special Education Resource Unit at JCoSS. In 2009, the Hope Centre, together with Brent Council was designated a Sure Start Children’s Centre, and the services are being developed within the centre.
Please click here to download the Hope information leaflet.
History
The Hope Centre for Cognitive Education was opened in 1996 by British parents of children with special needs who had received help from educational psychologist Professor Reuven Feuerstein’s Jerusalem-based Institute. Their aim was to create a centre of excellence in the UK to enable children with learning difficulties to reach their full potential through the Feuerstein methodology as well as to provide training courses for professionals, parents and carers in the use of Feuerstein’s techniques.
The Feuerstein Technique
Reuven Feuerstein’s methodology is based on the belief that every individual’s learning capacity can be enhanced throughout life. His theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability holds that every human being is capable of change beyond their present level of functioning, despite barriers which have been traditionally regarded as insurmountable such as age, the cause of the condition or its severity.
Services
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist will look at the underlying skills needed to perform specific tasks to see whether there are any problems affecting performance.
Speech & Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), work with students who have difficulties communicating (Communication Therapist.)
Therapy may be carried out through floor-play, structured games and activities.
Dynamic Assessments
The Learning Propensity Assessment Device (LPAD). Is a specialised assessment technique which measures potential rather than what the child can't do.
Intensive intervention
Individual and group sessions using MLE (Mediated Learning Experience).
Outreach services
To local schools, including workshops and Parent Child Interaction services.
Instrumental Enrichment (IE)
A structured thinking skills programme which strengthens cognitive functions (building blocks of learning), creating more flexible and efficient thinkers.
Courses in IE1, IE2, LPAD and Bright Start (A cognitive programme for younger years).
Insets and seminars especially designed for LSAs, parents and carers.
Click here to download the Professional Development Programme, detailing all courses available for 2010 and 2011.
Facilities include:
• Sensory integration room
• Fully equipped art room – (Mediated Learning through Art activities)
• Cognitive motor studio – (Dance Movement Therapy)
• Two-way observation rooms
• Computer room
• Conference Room
• Outdoor play area
• Life-skills training kitchen
• Family room
• Medical room
• Full access for wheelchair users
• Lecture / training room
• Car Park
For further information about Hope including term dates, and to download application forms, go to the Hope Centre website www.hope-centre.org.uk alternatively please contact:
T: 020 8809 8240
E: hope@norwood.org.uk
The Hope Centre
228 Walm Lane
London NW2 3BS
The Hope Centre is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 3171884.
Registered Charity No. 1056674, Registered Address: Broadway House, 80 - 82 The Broadway, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4HB.
