A Richmond charity supporting young children with physical disabilities has welcomed the Hungarian Ambassador to the UK following international recognition for its work in Conductive Education.

Small Steps, based in Richmond, hosted Dr Ferenc Kumin, Hungary's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Press Counsellor Petra Hajdu at its centre on Tuesday, 7 July.

The visit came just weeks after the charity was named a Designated Institute for Practice by the András Pető Faculty at Semmelweis University in Budapest – widely regarded as the world's leading authority on Conductive Education.

The accreditation recognises the quality of Small Steps' work and means the charity can now provide practical placements for conductor students from Hungary, helping to train the next generation of specialists.

During the visit, Ambassador Kumin met staff and families, observed Conductive Education sessions and learned more about the charity's work supporting children with motor disorders and physical disabilities.

The designation was formally presented by Dr Andrea Zsebe, Dean of the András Pető Faculty, during a Semmelweis University alumni event hosted by Ambassador Kumin at the Hungarian Embassy in London on 12 June.

Small Steps' conductors are all graduates of the Pető training programme, making the recognition particularly significant for the charity.

Anita Coppola MBE, Head of Small Steps, said: "This recognition is a tremendous honour and a reflection of decades of dedication to Conductive Education in the UK.

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"We are incredibly proud to strengthen our relationship with Semmelweis University and to help shape the next generation of conductors."

Conductive Education was developed in Hungary in 1945 by physician Dr András Pető and is designed to help people with neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, develop greater independence.

The approach breaks everyday activities into manageable steps, enabling children to build confidence, improve practical skills and develop greater independence through structured learning.

Small Steps provides the specialist support free of charge to families and says the new partnership strengthens its role within the international Conductive Education community while helping secure the future of the profession.

The charity is funded entirely through donations and fundraising, allowing it to continue providing specialist support for children and families across the area.

To learn more visit the charity's website here.