Voices of Special Education | Anesu (Physiotherapy)

Anesu Madondo is a Senior Physiotherapist who has worked at National Star for five years. She grew up in Zimbabwe and completed her undergraduate Physiotherapy degree in Tanzania, with much of her early career spent working with non-profit organisations supporting children and young people with disabilities. 

Student-centred approach

Anesu was drawn to National Star because of its holistic, aspirational and deeply student-centred approach to supporting young people with complex needs. She explains:

‘The way therapy, education and care are integrated felt completely aligned with my values and my long-term goals around research, innovation and inclusive disability support.’

Now five years into her role, Anesu’s work blends clinical practice, collaboration and research, all centred on improving student outcomes. While no two days are ever the same, therapies are delivered to a timetable and a typical day in the Physiotherapy department includes a wide variety of tasks. 

A student’s direct therapy session might take place in the Physiotherapy Suite, Aquatic Therapy Pool, on the Rebound (trampoline), in the Fitness Suite, the dance theatre or within the student’s residence. Sessions are tailored to meet each student’s individual needs and goals. 

Alongside direct therapy, physiotherapists like Anesu attend students’ Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings, as well as Education, Health and Care Plan reviews and progress meetings. This ensures therapies remain fully integrated into all aspects of a student’s life at college rather than being limited to time spent in sessions alone. A key part of the role is collaborative goal-setting with students, ensuring their own aspirations remain at the centre of their journey at National Star. This extends to liaising with families and external professionals to build a complete picture of each student’s needs. 

Therapies at National Star are holistic and highly person-centred, addressing physical, emotional, social and cognitive wellbeing. They are shaped around each student’s goals and interests and integrated into education, care and daily routines. 

Embracing new technology and adaptive equipment

‘We embrace new technologies and adaptive equipment, and we make therapies fun, because participation should be motivating and enjoyable for all,” says Anesu. ‘Physiotherapy is not just exercises or equipment. It’s about education, empowerment, participation and working together.’

Continuing professional development is central to Anesu’s practice. Alongside the skills she has developed at National Star, she has completed a Health and Social Care Research master’s module with the University of the West of England and is currently a British Academy of Childhood Disability Fellow. 

Research forms a significant part of Anesu’s role. Together with Physiotherapy Deputy Manager Olivia Williams, she is collaborating with universities like University College London to explore how students can benefit from use of new technologies like the Mollii Suit and Innowalk (A dynamic standing device). 

One of Anesu’s most memorable experiences was supporting the 2025 Ski Learner Experience in Andorra. Reflecting on the trip, she highlights the impact of coordinated planning, shared expertise, and tailored support in enabling students with complex needs to access meaningful opportunities. 

Looking ahead, Anesu hopes to contribute to evidence-based innovation across the disability and rehabilitation sector. She is passionate about generating evidence that highlights capability rather than limitation and bringing this learning back into her work at National Star. 

‘The learning never stops’, she says, ‘and the relationships you build are incredibly rewarding. There will be challenges, but that is where it gets exciting to be involved and explore how you can use your strengths to make that difference.’