Where we tell you all about ourselves and our history.
First Step began in November 1988 in response to a plea from some parents of young children with special needs. It was felt, by the parents, that they would benefit from a group for themselves and others in similar situations where they would be able to relax in the certainty that their child would not be 'the odd one out'. At existing groups parents were experiencing a sense of isolation and awkwardness. Sometimes great willingness was shown for 'inclusion' but there seemed a real lack of true understanding. During the early years of a child with special needs, parents go through a very steep learning curve with a whole range of very intense, and sometimes frightening emotions. Initially concern was voiced from statutory bodies that a separate group would not be in the spirit of encouragement for inclusion and could be seen as segregation.
However, the group, then known as First Step Opportunity Playgroup, began with 6 children and their mothers who met on 1 morning per week at a small hall in Upminster Methodist Church. There were 5 volunteer helpers to play with the children and make coffee for the parents. The numbers soon grew and within a year the group were searching for new premises to facilitate a small playgroup as well as the parent/child session.
A room was found at Nelmes School in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, and the group moved in with a variety of equipment with the use of the room 5 mornings per week shared with Nelmes playgroup who used the room in the afternoons. First Step become a registered charity and soon after this we were fortunate to get a large donation from an insurance company which purchased the first mini-bus.
Meanwhile, at Nelmes, it was decided to hold a meeting to advertise the benefits of Music Therapy. The meeting was very well attended and a great deal of interest was manifested. In our wildest dreams we had not thought that as a direct result we would be offered the finance to employ two Music Therapists! Since that day Music Therapy has been an integral part of First Step and has played an important role in the development of many children passing through First Step. The concerns relating to a non-integrated setting proved unfounded, and if is evident that early intervention has enabled many children to access integrated provision in Nursery classes, community playgroups and schools. (The Parent/corer & child sessions include pre-school siblings of children with special needs and therefore have children of all ability levels attending.)
Once again it was obvious that a new base was needed to allow the provision to grow. We were pointed in the direction of Dunningford School in Elm Park. It exactly met our needs and in March 1992, after much painting and equipping, we moved into what has been our new home for several years. A few years later it was clear we had once again outgrown our premises and after 2 years of fund raising we raised £1.2million and moved again!!!!!!!!. For further details about our plans please see separate entry under 'Fund Raising Committee'