Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developing Coordination, Building Confidence and Celebrating Every Achievement
At Penllergaer Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to feel confident, included and successful in their learning. We recognise that children develop at different rates and that some learners may need additional support to develop their physical coordination, motor skills and independence.
As part of our commitment to inclusion and supporting pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), we provide targeted activities and support for children who experience difficulties with coordination and motor development, including those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), sometimes referred to as dyspraxia.
Our aim is to help children develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to participate fully in school life.
💛 What is DCD?
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition that affects a child's ability to learn and carry out coordinated movements.
Children with DCD may find everyday activities such as handwriting, using scissors, fastening buttons, organising belongings, balancing or participating in physical activities more challenging.
DCD does not affect a child's intelligence. However, difficulties with coordination can sometimes affect confidence, independence and participation in learning.
At PPS, we recognise that every child's strengths and needs are different. Our approach focuses on building upon what children can do, developing new skills and celebrating individual progress.
🧩 How Do We Support Children with DCD at PPS?
Through carefully planned activities, appropriate adaptations and positive encouragement, we aim to help children develop their coordination, confidence and independence.
Our support may include:
✋ Fine Motor Skills Activities – Developing hand strength, dexterity and coordination through activities such as threading, construction, playdough, drawing and using tools.
🏃 Gross Motor Skills Activities – Supporting balance, coordination, body awareness and movement through obstacle courses, ball games and physical challenges.
✏️ Handwriting and Pencil Control – Helping children develop the motor skills needed for writing, while providing appropriate tools and alternative ways to record their learning.
🧠 Motor Planning and Organisation – Supporting children to plan, sequence and complete movements and everyday tasks with increasing independence.
🎯 Hand-Eye Coordination – Developing coordination through throwing, catching, building, puzzles and practical activities.
🌈 Confidence and Independence – Encouraging children to practise everyday skills, recognise their achievements and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.
Activities are adapted to each child's individual needs and abilities, ensuring that learning remains positive, meaningful and achievable.
🌟 What Skills Can DCD Support Activities Help Develop?
Our targeted provision aims to support children in developing:
💚 Coordination and Balance – Improving control of body movements and participation in physical activities.
✋ Fine Motor Control – Developing skills needed for writing, drawing, using equipment and completing everyday tasks.
🧠 Motor Planning and Sequencing – Supporting children to organise and carry out movements and activities.
⭐ Confidence and Self-Esteem – Helping children recognise their strengths, celebrate achievements and develop a positive attitude towards challenges.
🌈 Resilience and Perseverance – Encouraging children to practise new skills, try different strategies and recognise that progress takes time.
🤝 Participation and Inclusion – Removing barriers so children can participate alongside their peers in classroom activities, play and wider school experiences.
💛 Independence and Life Skills – Supporting children to become increasingly confident in managing everyday routines and activities.
🏫 Why Is Supporting DCD Important at PPS?
At Penllergaer, we recognise that every child has the right to access a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum, regardless of the challenges they may experience.
For children with coordination difficulties, activities that others may find straightforward can require additional concentration, effort and support.
Our role is to recognise these barriers and provide the appropriate strategies, resources and encouragement to help every learner succeed.
We understand that success looks different for every child. For one learner, success may mean developing greater confidence when using scissors. For another, it may mean participating in a playground game, improving handwriting fluency or independently organising their belongings.
Every achievement matters, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated.
Our approach supports the principles of the Curriculum for Wales, particularly the development of healthy, confident individuals and ambitious, capable learners.
Through inclusive teaching, targeted interventions and opportunities for practical learning, we aim to ensure that children develop skills that support their learning, wellbeing and independence both in school and beyond.
💚 Our School Is for Everyone
At PPS, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
We recognise that children with DCD may require different approaches, additional time, adapted resources or specific strategies to help them access learning successfully.
Working collaboratively with families, our ALNCo and relevant specialist professionals, where appropriate, we aim to provide support that reflects each child's individual needs.
Alongside our ELSA provision, Sensory Circuits, LEGO®-based Therapy and Positive Play, our support for children with coordination difficulties forms part of our wider commitment to ensuring that every learner feels valued, understood and included.
By developing children's physical skills, confidence, resilience and independence, we are helping them overcome barriers, celebrate their strengths and achieve their potential.
🌈 "Every movement matters, every achievement counts, and every child deserves the chance to shine."
💚💛 Penllergaer Primary School – Our School Is for Everyone.
