Maureen Perry and Starex have had an opportunity to extend the awareness of growing toddlers and young children's need for well-designed equipment to support their free movement, balance and coordination and strengthen muscles as well as confidence and self-esteem.

Thanks to Ute Strub's (physiotherapist) visit to New Zealand in 2006 to promote the work of Dr. Emmi Pikler, we were exposed to the work of Elfriede Hengstenberg another teacher of Ute's who was also a colleague of Dr. Emmi Pikler. Hengstenberg developed equipment and exercises to help correct children's posture. She worked with older children whose natural development had been side tracked by well meaning adults.

Hengstenberg says: "When adults do not interfere with the child's earliest endeavours we find s/he wants to do it independently with no help from outside. We are all familiar with these natural impulses of children but seldom give them due respect. Instead we try to help.

However, well-intentioned is the help we offer as adults it leads to dependencies which undermines the confidence of the children in their own independent endeavours."

There are a number of pieces in this collection and they can be used in a variety of ways. The children can be allowed to alter the configuration to create new challenges.  A number of the Open Boxes (with lids) can be arranged in a row for crawling through (or into) or a Plank can be fixed between two Open Boxes. A Plank can be attached to the X climber or a Plank can be arranged between two A frames. This range can start simply with the X climber and a Plank or two with different surfaces (cleated and smooth). The A frame can follow or a couple of Open Boxes and an already existing Plank. This equipment is wonderful set up outside in a grassy garden area with bits of material and other open-ended toys to support the children's imagination and creativity.

Note: It is important to remember that if a child has not been able to develop naturally, support should be provided as they find their own capabilities and strength.