Capability Scotland Matters - Summer 2022

OLLIE
MCCULLOCH
Happy, determined, and curious are
just some words that have been
used to describe Ollie McCulloch,
the first toddler to join our Sunshine
Toddler Group at Stanmore House School.
Ollie has been attending the group
with his mum, Becky, since Autumn
2021 and has become a very popular
member of the community at Stanmore.
It came as a shock to Ollie’s family when
he was born with additional needs. Becky
said, “it took us some time to come to
terms that life for Ollie and us was forever
changed, however, we have adapted to
a new normal and the team at Stanmore
have been a great support.”
When Ollie attends Sunshine
Toddlers he takes part in
a variety of activities
including sensory play
and storytime, as well
as
arts and crafts
and outdoor learning projects.
A favourite activity of Ollie’s is
spending time in the hydrotherapy
pool, and the team have recently
sourced him a specialist float to
aid his stability in the water.
The activities organised for the
toddlers follow the same themes
as those within the school,
ensuring that all who attend
Stanmore, regardless of age are
part of the community and enjoy
the same experiences adapted to
their stage of learning and ability.
As well as taking part in activities
that are designed and tailored
to meet his needs, Becky and
the rest of Ollie’s family also
benefit from the support and
advice of the allied health
professionals at Stanmore, this
includes Speech and Language
Therapy, Physiotherapy and
Occupational Therapy.
“It has been invaluable for us to
have input from Allied Health,
the Speech and Language
Eme-Elle, Ollie
& Becky
Therapists have introduced us to
Makaton sign language, adopting
new ways of communication
has been empowering for the
whole family. When Ollie first
attended Sunshine Toddlers he
was in a spica cast from his hips
to his toes, this supported him
to sit upright; however when the
cast was removed he struggled
to sit but the Occupational
Therapists and Physiotherapists
were on hand to offer support
and advice and now Ollie
confidently sits unaided.”
The group also offers Becky the
opportunity to enjoy a hot cup of
tea and well-earned rest as staff
are on hand to support Ollie, and
he has started to make friends
with some of the young people
in the school. Every week
Eme-Elle comes to visit Ollie, “it
has been wonderful for Ollie to
interact with some of the young
people, giving him the opportunity
to mix with his peers and the
older children who he can see as
role models as he grows up.”
There are no other groups like
Sunshine Toddlers in our area,
so without Stanmore, Ollie would
miss out on the opportunity to
attend playgroups like other
children his age. As a family,
we feel so welcome by the
staff and young people at
Stanmore and are proud to be
part of the community there.”
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