The Children’s Therapy Centre, Eastern Cape

29/07/2026

A little more about Targeted training (TT) from the experts:

“Targeted Training enhances control by training segmentally from the head downwards. It does not focus on training function directly. Improved function is a consequence of greater segmental control; the building blocks for function.
Targeted Training has a sound theoretical basis in biomechanics. It is also evidence based”

“Targeted Training does not ask a child to practice gross motor skills! Why do that when the control required is not present? Help the child to gain control, sequentially and segmentally and function emerges as a result!” - P Butler & R Major

Attached is an article entitled: Functional change in children with Cerebral Palsy. This covered a study to determine the extent of functional change in children with CP who participated in specific trunk and head postural control training combined with physical
therapy treatment as usual (TAU).

⭐️The conclusion:
“It was found that, with a combination of Targeted Training and treatment as usual, children with CP experienced a greater change in function than the expected norm and that this improvement was
especially large in those children with greater gross motor function disability.”

➡️Read it here: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1811.12490

Introduction There is increasing focus on the association between trunk control and functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of functional change in children with CP who participated in specific trunk and head postural control t...

25/07/2026

The quality of a baby’s movement is critical for development 👣

Motor milestone attainment alone may not fully capture early motor development in preterm infants. In this new study, movement quality demonstrated distinct longitudinal associations with motor milestone attainment and differentiated extremely-to-very preterm infants from moderate-to-late preterm infants at earlier time points. These findings support the inclusion of movement quality assessments in developmental surveillance to improve the early identification of subtle motor difficulties and inform timely intervention.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106612

Follow us to keep up to date on the latest research in Sensory Integration and Neurodiversity.

To learn more about supporting individuals with sensory differences across the lifespan see the link below:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/bundles/Sensory-Inclusion-Facilitator-Certificate-B

22/07/2026

Playing in mud builds children’s immune system
We are (rightly) concerned about eliminating harmful microbes, but we also need to be aware of the need for beneficial microbes
Our aim should not be hyper-sanitized home and perfectly clean children.
Science supports the idea that exposure to microbes can positively influence children’s immune systems.
Playing in these biodiverse environments such as farms and garden increases diversity in their skin and gut microbiota, along with improved immune system regulation.

At SPOT, the garden is part of our therapeutic environment. We love having you enjoy it with us!

21/07/2026

Our therapists Samantha Schonknecht and Tessa Wartnaby recently completed the Optimi Targeted training course. This covered the use of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) and the use of targeted training intervention. These newly aquired skills allow for several important benefits for children with neurological and developmental impairments.

The SATCo provides a structured and objective way of identifying the specific level at which a child is able to control their trunk, allowing clinicians to accurately determine areas of weakness and establish individualised treatment goals. This assessment then guides targeted training by focusing intervention on the specific segment of the trunk where postural control is limited, rather than using a generalised approach. Targeted training may help children develop improved postural stability, balance, and alignment, which can have a positive impact on functional activities such as sitting, reaching, transfers, mobility, and participation in daily activities. By addressing trunk control at the child's specific level of ability and progressively challenging their postural control, intervention can be more meaningful and goal-directed.

⭐️Overall, the combination of the SATCo and targeted training can support a more personalised approach to rehabilitation, improving functional independence, participation, and quality of life for children.

We have already started to see lovely improvements in our kiddies and we can’t wait to see their progress.

If you feel your child could benefit from an assessment, please feel free to reach out on our WhatsApp link or call us for an appointment 🌸

21/07/2026

So amazing to have Sam Schonknecht (physio) join us from our Eastern Cape branch this week to do team Gait analysis and orthotic prescriptions for some children with Yovanka Torrente. This team assessment is critical for getting orthotics right in order to optimise kinematics in children! We do team work really well!!!

21/07/2026

❓ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧-𝐭𝐨-𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧?

Holding your baby close is one of the most powerful things you can do, especially if your baby was born preterm or sick. 💜

💭 But many parents wonder: When is it safe to start? How often and for how long should I do it?

💡 According to the latest WHO recommendations, skin-to-skin contact, also called Kangaroo Care, should begin as soon as possible after birth. This includes very small and medically fragile babies, as long as they are stable.

📅 When is it safe to start?
In many cases, you can start immediately after birth or within the first few hours. Even babies who need medical support can often be held on your chest while receiving care from the medical team.

🕒 How often and for how long should I practice it?
Once you’ve started, more is better. 🤱
🔹 Skin-to-skin contact should be practiced for as many hours as possible each day, ideally for 8 to 24 hours.
🔹 Some parents do this in longer sessions, while others split the time into shorter sessions throughout the day.

👉 The most important thing is that you and your baby are comfortable. Every moment counts. 💓

🔁 How long should it continue?
Especially for preterm babies, skin-to-skin care isn’t just for the first few days. It can continue throughout the hospital stay and even at home until your baby grows stronger and can “wriggle out” on their own.

Skin-to-skin care is more than just a bonding moment. ✨
💙 It helps keep your baby warm.
💙 It can stabilize your baby’s breathing and heart rate.
💙 It supports weight gain and breastfeeding.
💙 It reduces stress for both baby and parent.
💙 It strengthens the bond between you and your baby.

🌿 Kangaroo Care Day - May 15 reminds us: “Stillness is strength.” In those quiet moments when you hold your baby close, you support their growth, comfort, and healing. 🦘💚

💡 Every baby is different. Your healthcare team will guide you on what is possible and safe for your baby. Even if continuous skin-to-skin contact isn’t possible yet, brief moments of closeness still matter. 💞

21/07/2026

21/07/2026

Our Message to Babies and Our Message to Parents - two simple but powerful promises that sit at the heart of everything we do.

From helping babies feel joy in sensation and move and explore in a secure space, to embracing parents as the expert on their own child - this is the Ei SMART commitment.

Download the full poster for free at eismart.co.uk

21/07/2026

Did you know your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have for supporting your baby's development?

Our free Top Tips for Communication Development leaflet is packed with 10 simple, practical tips to support your baby's communication from the very beginning, from making eye contact and using gestures, to reading together and taking turns in conversation.

Because babies are communicating from day one. They just need us to listen.

Download it for free at eismart.co.uk

21/07/2026

This is what Ei SMART is all about.

Five threads, woven together, supporting every high-risk baby from birth:
S - Sensory: to feel joy in touch and successfully interpret the world around them
M - Motor: to move and explore in a secure space
A - Attention and Regulation: to sleep deeply, grow strong, play and feel connected
R - Relationship: to be embraced with confidence and skill by their families
T - Together: supported by a close-knit team of parents and professionals working seamlessly

Find out more at eismart.co.uk