Recent Projects

Saltersgate School in Midlothian: Supporting Diverse Learners with a Holistic Approach

Edinburgh

Saltersgate School, located in the heart of Midlothian, is dedicated to providing a rich, inclusive, and supportive educational experience for learners aged 4 to 18. Serving students from across the Midlothian area, Saltersgate is a school that understands and celebrates the unique strengths and needs of its pupils. All students at Saltersgate have complex additional support needs that make a mainstream educational setting challenging, so the school tailors its environment and curriculum to meet each child’s individual requirements. 

Wooden Spoon Edinburgh has funded an Innowalk which is a specialised piece of equipment that brings dynamic, movement-based therapy to students who are primarily non-ambulant. For many students with limited mobility, accessing typical physical activities like walking or cycling can be a significant challenge. The Innowalk addresses this need by allowing students to experience movement in a safe and supported way, mimicking the sensation and benefits of walking and cycling. 

The benefits of the Innowalk for Saltersgate’s students are extensive and truly transformative. Using the Innowalk regularly helps students maintain, extend, and even increase their functional mobility. Additionally, it can slow down the progression of degenerative conditions, enhancing physical resilience over time. The psychological benefits are equally significant: the chance to engage in physical activity can boost students’ mental health, build confidence, and give them a sense of independence that supports self-esteem.: 

“In my professional opinion, the Innowalk offers enormous potential benefits for multiple pupils at Saltersgate School and a unique opportunity for cardiovascular exercise. There are already several staff members trained in how to safely set up and use the Innowalk with pupils, which are skills that will be easily transferred to the Large Innowalk. This will result in all appropriate pupils accessing and benefiting from the equipment in a timely manner. The school staff have ongoing support from the physiotherapy team for training and making adjustments for pupils.” – Kathryn Strachan (NHS Physiotherapist) 

Innowalk-3

Image 1 of 3