Duke of Edinburgh scheme keen to involve more children with additional needs

By Joe Lepper Monday, 23 January 2012

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE) scheme is looking to increase the number of young people with disabilities and special educational needs it supports.

DofE scheme looking to develop partnerships with local specialist organisations and charities. Image: Phil Adams

An online toolkit for managers and volunteers is planned, and this week (25 January) it is organising a conference on additional support needs for its staff in London.

Hayley Shenholds, DofE development officer, said: "What we want to do is give our managers the support they need to involve and support those with additional needs. Some may not have that experience."

Advice being offered to managers will also include better promotion among those with additional support needs. Shenholds is also targeting special schools and pupil referral units that do not already run the award scheme.

Shenholds added: "We also want to get the message out to all adults, to teachers and parents that we offer something that all young people can take part in. Young people know they can do it but sometimes adults do not think they can."

The DofE scheme is also looking to develop partnerships with local specialist organisations and charities, such as its link-up in London with the group Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability.