Focusing on potential, not limitations

Our story

The Rainbow Centre was founded by a small group of parents determined to find the best possible support for their children with Cerebral Palsy. Their search led them to Conductive Education, an approach built on the belief that every person can learn, develop and achieve greater independence, whatever their starting point.

More than 35 years later, that belief is still at the heart of everything we do. Too often, children with neurological conditions are assessed by what they can’t do. We focus on their strengths, their potential and their opportunities to grow.

To be recognised as a UK Centre of Excellence, helping people with neurological conditions across our region at all key stages of their lives.

We transform the lives of people who have a neurological condition, enabling them to become as independent as possible so that they and their families can enjoy life to the full.

Our approach

Conductive Education (CE) is a specialist educational and rehabilitation approach that helps children with neurological conditions improve their movement, independence, confidence and everyday living skills.

Rather than treating a medical condition in isolation, it teaches practical ways to overcome everyday challenges through active learning, repetition, motivation and problem-solving. It’s built on the belief that the brain and body can keep learning and adapting, and that with the right guidance, practice and encouragement, children can keep developing new skills.

Sessions are led by Conductors: specially trained professionals whose university-level training combines education, movement science, psychology, child development, rehabilitation and learning theory.

Every programme is tailored to your child’s goals, abilities and aspirations. Sessions are active, motivating and purposeful, and the skills children practise are ones they can use at home, at school and in their community.

Our philosophy

Our highly qualified Conductors are experts in recognising each person’s potential. Through carefully planned programmes, they help children develop new skills, improve movement, increase confidence and build greater independence.

By supporting physical, cognitive, emotional, communication and social development together, Conductive Education provides a holistic approach to rehabilitation and lifelong learning.

This positive, person-centred philosophy is what makes The Rainbow Centre a unique place for children and adults living with neurological conditions.

By building on what a person can do, rather than what they cannot, Conductive Education helps people maximise their potential, increase their independence and improve their quality of life.

Is it right for my child?

Conductive Education is suitable for children with a motor learning difficulty caused by a neurological condition or developmental difference. The main need should be a difficulty with learning or controlling movement, rather than a diagnosis on its own.

Your child doesn’t need a formal diagnosis. If they have challenges with movement, coordination, balance, posture, mobility or motor development, they may still be suitable for an assessment. We look at the whole child: their goals, strengths and potential.

• Cerebral Palsy
• Down syndrome
• Stroke
• Acquired brain injury or head injury
• Genetic conditions
• Developmental delay
• Other neurological conditions affecting movement

• A programme built around your child’s needs, abilities and aspirations
• Conductors working alongside you as a family
• Skills for everyday life: sitting, standing, walking, communicating, self-care and taking part at school