Viv Hailwood
It was my graduate training as a Speech and Language therapist that deepened my focus on each child. When I became the Teacher in Charge of the Unit for Developmental Disorders of Communication in Portsmouth, UK, I continued to assess each child’s needs and develop individual programs.
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Later, in mainstream schools, I was always concerned about the children who struggled to learn and socialise. They were usually bright and wanted to learn, but something was stopping them.
Alongside my teaching role, I have coached gymnastics for most of my adult life. It was the observations of parents of the children in our inclusive beginners’ classes, that made me stop and think. They said their children were doing well at school because of the gymnastics. As a lover of movement and analytical Laban dance, with knowledge of the primitive reflexes studied in my B.Sc., I was inspired to find out more.
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My mission has long been to make the BrainChild intervention widely available to children who need help to be released from their limitations, to enjoy life and learning. Now we have EBO-at-Home and EBO-for-Schools, to make it available, wherever you are.
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Educational Qualifications and Experience :
​B.Sc. Speech and Language, University of Newcastle on Tyne: This provided a medical, psychological, and neurological viewpoint and a focus on child development.
M.Sc. Educational Research, Manchester University: This rigorous course and dissertation strengthened my research skills - BPRS Action Research and a year-long research project funded by Cumbria Children’s Fund (UK) and Morecambe Bay Health Authority.
PGCE: University of Newcastle on Tyne in Primary education, achieving a double distinction.
NPQH: National Professional Qualification for Headship
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Professional Achievements:
Teaching and Leadership: My extensive career as a teacher and headteacher, included a decade leading an initially-failing school to be an outstanding school, recognized as 'particularly successful' in the Schools Parliamentary Report and OFSTED Chief Inspector’s Report (2002).
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Coaching:
I have developed movement observation and analysis skills through coaching Rhythmic Gymnastics and teaching Laban Dance.
· Rhythmic Gymnastics: I was Senior coach for Southern Region, Southampton Gym Club, and established Rhythmic South Gym Club. Later, I coached at Penrith Gym Club.
· Laban Dance: I instructed at several Laban Guild International summer schools.
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Additional training:
Educational Kinesiology consultant.
Neurodevelopmental Training
Training courses and working with Svetlana Masgutova in Poland.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner, level 2
Diploma in Baby massage
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Notable achievements:
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Professional recognition:
· Runner-up for the UK Teacher of the Year Award. Proposed by parents.
· Coach to the Overall British Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion and International gymnasts.
· Service to Gymnastics Award, North of England Gymnastics Association.
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Personal Support:
A huge thank you to my son, Gillon, for his brilliant digital creation of all the EBO programs and our new website; my husband as my constant PA; and my grandchildren who have been superb photographic models and voices for the characters.
Most Importantly:
I have had the enjoyment of helping hundreds of children and families achieve happier lives through the Brainchild Developmental Program.