Who We Are
About pdnet
pdnet is a free to join, national network that provides professionals in education with support in promoting positive outcomes for children and young people with a physical disability.
We have a strong commitment to developing and sharing effective educational practice and pedagogy for learners with physical disability, operating at a regional and national level to support and develop good practice between professionals in the sector.
Membership is open to anyone working with or supporting learners with physical disability — from specialist advisory teachers and therapists to mainstream class teachers and school leaders.
Our Story
History
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1999Founded as NNATPIP pdnet was formed as the National Network of Advisory Teachers for Physically Impaired Pupils (NNATPIP), bringing together specialist professionals from across England.
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2014Renamed pdnet The network changed its name to pdnet to reflect the evolving and increasingly diverse membership base, including a broader range of professionals supporting learners with physical disability.
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2016First National Benchmarking Survey pdnet carried out its first national survey of LA support for children and young people with physical disability, establishing the first reliable baseline measurement with over 60 LAs responding.
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2018Second Benchmarking Survey A second national survey was launched, with 40 Local Authorities representing 44 LAs taking part, strengthening the national evidence base and tracking changes in provision.
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NowGrowing National Network pdnet continues to grow, supporting professionals through online training, a community forum, effective practice resources, and national benchmarking work.
Our Vision
What We Believe
Our vision is for children and young people with physical disability to achieve as much as other learners at every phase of education, from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Post-16 studies.
Be fully included in their school and learning community alongside their peers.
Take part in high quality learning activities with full access to the curriculum.
Thrive and enjoy learning, developing the knowledge and skills they need for life.
Be empowered, confident and able to function as independently as possible.
Our Aims
What We Do
- Build a network of professionals which reflects the views of its members and responds to emerging needs in the sector.
- Provide the means and opportunities for members to disseminate and share expertise, knowledge, and air concerns at a regional and national level.
- Contribute to the formulation and development of policy and knowledge in the physical disability sector, influencing practice at both local and national level.
- Improve outcomes for learners with physical disability, allowing each individual to meet their full potential through access to high quality, evidence-based support.
- Develop and promote effective educational practice and pedagogy specifically for learners with physical disability.
- Support the professional development of educators and specialists working with children and young people with physical disability.