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Alfie's Story

Steps has been a huge help both to our son Alfie and our whole family. It is an amazing charity that gives children opportunities they might not have otherwise had, and supports parents in ways that go beyond therapy sessions.

Steps student Alfie with his mum, Hollie, and the walker the Steps staff helped them to get via the NHS

Alfie attends Steps for conductive education to help with his mobility. Steps provides him with access to specialist equipment and expertise that we wouldn’t have found elsewhere. They create a safe and welcoming environment where he can learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy playing and socialising with other children.

One example of how Steps has helped us is with Alfie’s walker. We had been told by the NHS that Alfie could not have swivel wheels because of his size, as there was not a suitable walker available for his height with swivel wheels fitted. However, at Steps Alfie was using the same walker with swivel wheels. The team at Steps went out of their way to help us by taking photos and contacting his NHS physiotherapist to demonstrate that these wheels were available. They even provided the link to the exact wheels needed. Thanks to their support, Alfie has now been able to receive swivel wheels through the NHS, which has made a real difference to his mobility and independence.

Steps have also supported us as parents. They have helped with the evidence for Alfie’s EHCP application and are always there to offer advice and reassurance. Just as importantly, Steps provides a place where we can talk with other parents who truly understand the challenges parents of a child with SEN face. That sense of community and understanding is incredibly valuable and has been a real source of emotional support.

Steps is more than just a therapy centre – it is a place where children like Alfie are given encouragement and belief. The staff go above and beyond, and we are so grateful for everything they have done for Alfie.

By Hollie (Alfie’s Mummy)