At the Developmental Learning Centre, we believe it is important to understand and support the underlying developmental foundations that help the brain and body work together effectively.

​

Developmental Movement Therapy (Extra Lesson™) is one of the primary approaches we use to support this development. It is an internationally recognised therapeutic programme that combines movement-based therapy with current neurophysiological research.

​

The programme is delivered one-to-one with a Developmental Movement Therapist (Extra Lesson™) and is individually tailored to your child. The aim is to identify and address developmental barriers that may be making learning, movement or behaviour more challenging.

​

Building the Foundations for Learning

​

Learning relies on many underlying skills, including balance, spatial awareness, body awareness, coordination, visual perception and efficient neurological pathways.

​

Sometimes, aspects of early development may not have fully matured, which can make it harder for a child to access these skills with ease. A child may arrive at school ready and willing to learn, but still find certain aspects of learning unusually difficult because some of these foundational skills are not yet well established.

​

Developmental Movement Therapy revisits and practises early developmental movement patterns to support the maturation and organisation of the neurological system. The aim is to strengthen the foundations that support more efficient learning and development. This is called a “ground up” approach.

​

What Does the Programme Involve?

​

The programme includes a specific sequence of developmental movements that takes a minimum of 40 weeks to complete. Additional exercises are incorporated throughout the programme to keep sessions varied, engaging and responsive to your child’s individual needs.

​

During each one-to-one session, the therapist carefully observes how your child responds to each exercise. This allows us to identify areas that remain restricted and adjust the programme accordingly.

​

Where appropriate, we may also recommend working alongside or seeking input from other professionals to ensure your child receives well-rounded support.

​

Home Practice — An Important Part of the Programme

​

Regular practice at home is an essential part of Developmental Movement Therapy.

Your child will be given approximately 15 minutes of exercises to complete each day. These movements are practised throughout the week and reviewed with the therapist during the weekly session. These daily exercises are important as the regular repetition gives the brain and body opportunities to become more familiar and efficient with the movement patterns, supporting the development of the neurological foundations needed for learning.

​

Your involvement and commitment to the home programme can therefore make an important contribution to your child’s progress.

​

Therapy Outline

​

• One-to-one therapy session: 1 hour per week with a Developmental Movement Therapist (Extra Lesson™)

• Home programme: Approximately 15 minutes of exercises each day

• Programme duration: A minimum of 40 weeks

• Weekly review: Home exercises are reviewed and adjusted as needed

• ​

Supporting Your Child from the Foundations Up

​

By strengthening the foundations of movement, coordination and neurological development, we aim to help create greater readiness and confidence for learning, support emotional regulation, physical capabilities and overall wellbeing.