About us
We offer a unique combination of nursery education and therapy for under 5s who are experiencing difficulty with their hearing, speech, language and general communication skills.
Our vision
We have a commitment to excellence using a positive, sensitive, 'can do' approach that aims to develop 'the whole child'. This innovative environment empowers children and their families to learn to communicate with confidence.
Children with complex needs
There is a growing trend for children with more complex needs to be seen at Christopher Place. We help children with social communication disorders and developmental delays by providing education and therapy that takes place in both a small group setting and in one-to-one sessions.
The only centre of its kind in the UK
It is the unique combination of our innovative therapy programmes and our highly experienced team that makes us leaders in our field. Through our work, we help children with communication needs lead happier and more fulfilled lives.
What makes our service special
We offer:
- one-to-one and group occupational therapy which helps children develop their motor skills and general independence
- a blend of occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, combining skills from both disciplines
- a functional and a sensory integrative approach to therapy
- a combination of intensive therapy and nursery education
We have a highly-qualified multidisciplinary team which includes:
- a speech therapist specialised in working with children who have cerebral palsy and those with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
- a highly-experienced family therapist
- occupational therapists who support children with increasing their independence in daily living skills. They also work with children who have sensory integration dysfunction.
- specialist nursery teachers whose experience of working with very young children with special needs enables them to make measurable gains in their learning.
Key milestones in our 14 year history
| 1995 | Christopher Place opens its doors, with 17 children registered |
| 1996 | Toddler group launched |
| 1997 | The first children with cochlear implants begin their therapy |
| 1998 | 'Building Foundations' launched for children on the autistic spectrum |
| 1999 | Programme for newly-diagnosed deaf babies launched |
| 2000 | 1,000 children have attended Christopher Place |
| 2001 | 75% increase in children funded by their Local Authorities |
| 2002 | Three new programmes launched: MAP (Maximising Auditory Potential); Turn the Page and Listen thro' Play - all targeted at the professional |
| 2003 | New research projects launched in partnership with University College, London; City University; Birmingham University; and The Anna Freud Centre |
| 2004 | Our new wing finished, complete with acoustically-treated classrooms, one-to-one therapy booths, outdoor play areas, a family room and space for professional training. |
| 2005 | Training workshops for parents and professionals launched |
| 2006 | New Drama and Movement programme launched New Sensory Room opened |
| 2007 | Chamber Tots music programme develop with Wigmore Hall Ramp to entrance improved Interactive Whiteboards fitted Special Yoga sessions launched Complex Needs children being supported in the new Sunshine and Rainbow groups Accreditation as Centre of excellence achieved |
| 2008 | Successful Ofsted inspection of the Centre. Highest number of children attending the Centre. Weekly music sessions introduced. |