Steps & Stages
The Steps & Stages programme provides specialist early intervention to support the development of children preschool children with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Sessions are individually tailored to meet each child’s specific needs and are offered FREE to families of children:
- with neurological conditions or delayed development affecting movement and posture, such as cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, genetic conditions (e.g. Down syndrome), acquired brain injury, or motor coordination difficulties
- with confirmed or suspected Autism Spectrum Conditions or communication and / or social interaction delay
- with complex sensory processing challenges, such as sensory sensitivities or difficulties with sensory regulation.
- under 5 years old and not in full time education
The highly skilled and trained Steps & Stages team are dedicated to helping parents and carers learn essential techniques that support their child’s physical, social, and cognitive development; informed and inspired by a range of specialist early intervention approaches, including, but not limited to:
Conductive Education
Conductive Education is a holistic, active approach to learning for children and young people with movement disorders and developmental delays. It combines physical activities, problem-solving, communication, and self-care tasks into structured sessions led by specially trained practitioners. The aim is to build skills, confidence, independence, and foster a ‘can-do’ attitude by teaching movements and everyday tasks in a motivating, supportive environment. It is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and learn through repeated practice. Songs, rhythm and games are central to the approach.
Attention Autism
Attention Autism, designed for children with social and communication challenges or delay, is an early intervention model designed by Gina Davies, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. It aims to develop natural and spontaneous engagement and communication through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities. This model helps to build the foundations of communication through, teaching turn-taking, capturing attention, sustaining engagement, and developing interactions.
Families attend the Steps & Stages programme for weekly session (during term time), and places are allocated to families based on individual need. Children attend these early intervention sessions alongside peers with similar challenges, where they receive personalised support focused on developing key skills for greater independence. Parents and carers gain practical strategies to use at home and benefit from connecting with others on a similar journey, helping to build valuable long-term peer support networks.
The Steps & Stages programme is funded by Norfolk County Council and the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board.
To express your interest in attending Steps & Stages, please complete the referral form below