by Keyan Milanian

White polystyrene snow is strewn across the floor along with other evidence of a recent playtime.

Four quiet toddlers are deep in concentration, making Father Christmas and snowman stockings.

Keryn asks for more glue while Mikhael makes sure his snowman sticks with a good thump with his fist.

This, of course, could be any other nursery class in Cliffe. The only difference is every one of these children has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the brain and muscles.

Some could not walk before coming to the Smiley Steps centre in View Road, Cliffe Woods, part of CPC Kent.

Now all four can walk and play independently, while some will be going to school next year.

Lynn Fitchett, from West Malling, has her three-year-old son William with her.

“We have been coming here for about two years now and without this centre I don’t think he would be as physically able as he is, he only learnt to walk 18 months ago,” she said.

The centre receives no government support because its methods of conductive education are not scientifically proven. But every one of the parents here today swears by the programme.

It relies almost entirely on donations and fundraising events to stay open, although the centre’s other services, including life skills, a day centre, and care services provide a smaller income.

The fundraising target for Smiley Steps is £300,000 per year.

Earlier this year the Saturday sessions had to be dropped as part of cutbacks to keep the centre running and the centre’s summer school was only run because of fundraising by Medway Emerald Celtic Supporters Club.

During a visit last week I watched as a carer carried in a girl who looked entirely helpless. She was about the same age as the children here today and could not sit up for herself.

As the session progressed, she was able to push herself along the play mats and was delighted when she grabbed hold of some tinsel hung across the play equipment.

Senior team member Mandy Beatson said: “You see the difference over time when you work with the children, and it’s a big difference.

“This place really puts things we would take for granted into perspective, we get excited when a child uses a potty.”

Fiona Glendinning’s daughter, Keryn, will start primary school next September.

She said: “I did not know about this service and it was only because I was at physiotherapy and one of the other mothers asked if I knew about it.

“It’s not just good for the children, it helps to meet other parents and know you’re not the only one in this situation.

“I am worried about her going to school but I think she will cope quite well, a lot of people don’t notice Keryn’s motor problems and expect her to be able to do more than she can, but I don’t know where she would be if she did not have this centre.”

Lynn adds: “Politicians ought to come and see what this centre does for these children, see the massive difference and achievements that are made.”

How to help

If you would like to hold an event to raise money for CPC Kent call the newsdesk on 01634 227803 and let us know. If you would like to offer your time to volunteer, contact the centre on 01634 220120 or log on to www.cpckent.org for more information and what the centre offers its users. To donate direct visit the charity’s website or send a cheque payable to Cerebral Palsy Care to CPC, Bradbury House, View Road, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, ME3 8UJ or donate by phone 01634 220330. All donations will be acknowledged. Please indicate that it is part of our appeal.