Children With Specialist Needs Taking Part In Flamingo Chicks Dance Classes

A number of children with specialist needs in the Bradford area have been enjoying dance classes dedicated to allowing children with disabilities and complex medical needs the opportunity to enjoy ballet alongside their friends.

Leeds-based law firm Irwin Mitchell has sponsored a number of classes at the Chellow Heights Special School in Bradford.

The classes, which will be provided by Flamingo Chicks CIC, provide an opportunity for children explore movement through ballet.

Chellow Heights provides education for pupils learning at levels below those expected of their mainstream peers from across Bradford and has been able to use sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell to offer dance classes to its pupils.

Sarah Coles, a Partner and expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:

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“We are delighted to have been able to sponsor the Flamingo Chicks classes at Chellow Heights.

“The classes provide a fantastic opportunity for children with specialist needs to explore movement with their friends, as well as providing their families and carers with a support network in the local area.

“Through our work with families with disabled children we understand just how important activities like these can be in their development and rehabilitation and we are delighted to have been able to help these children access the classes.” Sarah Coles - Partner

Vicki Street, Charities & Fundraising Co-ordinator at Chellow Heights Special School, said: “The Flamingo Chicks dance sessions we have been able to provide for the children have been a huge success and the children have really enjoyed being able to take part.

“We are delighted that we will now be able to continue the sessions thanks to sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell and continue to provide the children with an activity they enjoy so much.”

Hattie Inglis, a teacher at Chellow Heights, said: “Flamingo Chicks has been a fantastic experience for the children. From the day ballet was mentioned our children’s faces lit up.

It has been hugely beneficial; it supports our children to follow instructions, work alongside their friends, develop independence and confidence, while having so much fun! The passion Flamingo chicks brings to ballet allows the children to have the same experiences as everyone else.

“The enjoyment the children get from Flamingo Chicks is immense and they wear their flamingo tabards with pride. The children are so grateful to Irwin Mitchell for the opportunity to carry on with such a wonderful activity, to gain and progress in vital life skills and ultimately prove that Ballet really is for everyone.”

Samantha McCormick, a dance teacher with Flamingo Chicks, said: “I am so pleased to be working with Chellow Heights; we are new to the Yorkshire region having originally started in Bristol and the children are loving the opportunity to dance.”