Ambassador Visit

Hungarian Ambassador Visits Small Steps Following Prestigious International Recognition

Small Steps, the Richmond-based charity providing free specialist support for young children with physical disabilities, was delighted to welcome Dr Ferenc Kumin, Hungarian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Press Counsellor Petra Hajdu to its centre on 7 July.

The visit followed a significant milestone for the charity, which was recently recognised as a Designated Institute for Practice by the renowned András Pető Faculty of Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary – the world’s leading authority on Conductive Education.

The Ambassador’s visit offered an opportunity to see first-hand how Small Steps delivers Conductive Education, meet its specialist team, and learn more about the charity’s growing role in helping to train the next generation of conductors.

This prestigious recognition was formally presented by Dr Andrea Zsebe, Dean of the András Pető Faculty, during a special Semmelweis University alumni event hosted by Ambassador Kumin at the Hungarian Embassy in London on 12 June. The award holds particular significance for Small Steps, whose team of conductors are themselves graduates of the Pető Faculty.

Speaking about the achievement, 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. We are incredibly proud to strengthen our relationship with Semmelweis University and to help shape the next generation of conductors.”

Being named a Designated Institute for Practice is a powerful endorsement of the quality and impact of Small Steps’ work. It recognises the charity’s commitment to maintaining the gold-standard principles of Conductive Education established in Hungary and enables it to welcome conductor students from Budapest for practical placements and hands-on training.

The designation also positions Small Steps as an important contributor to the future development of the profession, helping to nurture and inspire the next generation of Conductive Education specialists.

During their visit, Ambassador Kumin and Petra Hajdu met staff and families, observed sessions at the centre, and gained a deeper understanding of the transformative impact Conductive Education has on young children with motor disorders and physical disabilities.

The visit celebrated the growing partnership between Small Steps and Semmelweis University, while highlighting the strong and enduring connection between Hungary—the birthplace of Conductive Education—and the charity’s pioneering work in the UK.