A friend gave me a prospectus for the National Institute of Conductive Education and suggested that it might be helpful for Ruby. At the time I was finding it increasingly difficult taking Ruby to larger playgroups and was looking for somewhere for Ruby to interact with other children in a smaller setting. I read about Conductive Education on the internet and after talking to another friend about the limited amount of physiotherapy we were able to access for Ruby on the NHS, she, being a nurse from Romania, also recommended Conductive Education.

When we first took Ruby to a session at NICE, we were firstly so impressed with the positivity and enthusiasm of the staff. The staff had high expectations of Ruby, they challenged her to do things we had not seen her do before and made it fun at the same time. Secondly we were surprised at Ruby’s response, although she had to work hard while she was there, she loved it, and we could see that she loved the sense of achievement she got when she attempted the tasks she was given. When we returned for a second visit Ruby remembered where we were and waved her arms in the air in excitement as we drove up the driveway.

Ruby has now been attending the parent and child sessions at NICE for a year and today she had her first morning at the Nursery class. When I told her she was going to be able to go for a whole morning she was very excited and not the slightest bit bothered about having to stay there on her own. She returned home today full of smiles and said a big YES when asked if she would like to go again next week. Since attending NICE we have seen a huge change in Ruby, she will transfer the skills she has learnt at NICE to home and is wanting to do more and more for herself. Ruby is now attempting to dress herself, wash herself, use a potty and feed herself. Her communication skills have improved and she can communicate what she needs well with a mixture of signs, and recently, more words. Ruby can now pull herself up to standing, walk around furniture, crawl up the stairs and gets around on her knees.

Ruby is a fun-loving and sociable little girl. Our hope for the future is that She will continue the steady progress she is making and will soon be able to walk. NICE has also helped us learn more about Ruby’s personality and see the patience and determination she has. We hope that she will continue to have that and be independent enough to do all that she wants to do. With the increased input that Ruby is now able to get at NICE we are excited to see the development she makes in the coming year.

I would definitely recommend NICE to other parents. We have been so grateful for all NICE have done for Ruby and it is very obvious to us that Conductive Education is hugely effective.

Michelle, Mother of Ruby