Accredited by Diverse Abilities

Our Award is accredited by Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity. Working closely with the charity’s team means we can make sure we’re doing everything we can in order to reach as many people with as many different needs as possible.

What is Diverse Abilities?

The charity began in 1955, founded by a mother who’s daughter was born with cerebral palsy. After being disappointed that her only option was to send her daughter away to an institution, she wrote a letter to the local paper seeking others in the same or similar situations. Once a group had formed, Diverse Abilities was born. Since then, the charity has grown and developed to support more than 1,500 children and adults with physical and learning disabilities each year through a range of services including a specialist school, respite homes, domiciliary support, 24/7/365 supported living service, an advice team, play sessions, parent support sessions, and more, providing all encompassing support for the individual and the whole family.

Introducing Langside School

Langside School then opened in 1959 in Poole. Since its inception the school has grown, developed, and expanded and has around 30 children attending each academic year. After trials and tribulations with the Duke of Edinburgh award, co-deputy head teacher Lynda Larke decided it just wasn’t accessible enough and decided to create her own award programme that really understands the cohort of Langside School pupils. The OPT Award was created.

What Ofsted has to say

“Preparation for pupils’ next steps and their increased independence is prioritised right from the start. A wide range of well-thought-out experiences, including regular music, creative arts and outings to external clubs widen their experiences. The oldest pupils work towards the school’s ‘Our personal transition (OPT) award’, which is carefully crafted to develop pupils’ physical, social and emotional targets. For example, pupils embark on adventurous activities, a residential experience and charity work.”

What your pupils will receive

Whether they are participating in the full OPT Award or the introductory Leapfrog Award, all pupils will receive a certificate and sew on badge for each of their completed strands.