A COUNTY charity has been recognised as an international centre of excellence after winning a contract to provide training services in Brazil.

Megan Baker House, which provides free conductive education to children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions, has begun working with the British School in Rio De Janeiro and the University of Rio to provide training on the theoretical and practical applications of inclusion to teachers and classroom support assistants.

"Currently, children with disabilities are unable to access education in Brazil," said the charity's senior conductor, Kriszti Balogh.

"The training we'll supply will be used as a national model for inclusive education.

"It's thrilling to be involved at the very beginning of something that could have such an impact on the future of children with disabilities in Brazil."

Megan Baker House, based in Leominster, has an initial contract for one year, which will see a team of conductors from the centre going to Brazil for three-month periods to oversee the development of conductive education programmes.

They will also provide a training and advisory programme in relation to the integration and inclusion of children with disabilities and deliver teacher training on the planning differentiation and delivery of the national curriculum to children with disabilities.

"We are confident this trial period will be extended and form the basis for an ongoing association," added the charity's director, Jo Baker-Watson.

"Another school in the south of Brazil has expressed an interest and we are in conversation with them at present.

"Discussions are also taking place with the director of a French centre providing residential care for children with disabilities. And at a recent national exhibition, we were even approached by the Saudi Arabian government. It's a very exciting time and wonderful to be recognised for the high quality of our services."

The charity wants to emphasise that its experience and knowledge isn't just shared with people abroad.

It regularly liaises with other health professionals, teachers, nursery workers and carers in the UK and is holding open days for interested professionals at the end of the month.

For more details, call 01568 616179 or email admin@meganbakerhouse.org.uk