inpp neurodevelopmental programme
Understanding the developmental foundations behind learning, coordination, attention and regulation.
Could something underneath be making things harder?
When a child is finding concentration, coordination, handwriting, reading, sitting still or everyday learning more difficult than expected, it can be hard to understand why. Sometimes these difficulties are not simply about behaviour, effort or ability. Earlier stages of neurological development can continue to influence how efficiently a child’s brain and body work together.
At WayMaker, we look beneath what you can see to understand what may be happening underneath. Through the INPP Neurodevelopmental Programme, we can assess for signs of neuromotor immaturity, including retained primitive reflexes, which may be contributing to difficulties with movement, posture, coordination, attention and learning.
You do not need to know whether retained reflexes are part of your child’s difficulties before coming to us. We will listen to what you are noticing, look at your child’s developmental picture and help you understand whether an INPP assessment may be an appropriate next step.
What is the INPP Neurodevelopmental Programme?
The INPP Neurodevelopmental Programme is a structured approach that looks at the foundations of a child’s neurological and physical development.
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that are present during pregnancy and early infancy. They have an important role in early development and are normally gradually replaced as the brain matures and a child develops greater control over their movement. Sometimes signs of these early reflexes can remain beyond the stage when we would expect them to have reduced.
INPP uses a detailed assessment to look for signs of neuromotor immaturity, including retained primitive reflexes, balance, coordination and other aspects of physical development. Where appropriate, your child is then given an individual programme of specific developmental movements to practise at home.
The movements are gentle and carefully sequenced, with regular reviews to monitor progress and adapt the programme as your child develops.
Signs INPP May Be Worth Exploring
Every child is different, and experiencing one or more of these difficulties does not necessarily mean that retained primitive reflexes are present. However, an INPP assessment may be worth exploring when a child experiences ongoing difficulties such as:
balance, coordination or appearing unusually clumsy
handwriting, pencil control or the physical effort involved in writing
sitting comfortably or maintaining good posture at a desk
concentration, attention or remaining still
reading, visual tracking or frequently losing their place
difficulties with PE, catching a ball, swimming or learning physical skills
motion sickness or difficulties with balance and movement
sensory sensitivities or becoming easily overwhelmed by sensory information
organisation, sequencing or completing multi-step tasks
becoming unusually tired by schoolwork or activities that require sustained concentration
These signs can have many different causes. Our role is not to fit your child into a checklist, but to understand their individual developmental picture and consider whether further assessment could be helpful.
Looking Beneath the Surface
At WayMaker, we know that what you see on the surface does not always tell the whole story. Difficulties with sitting still, handwriting, concentration or coordination may sometimes reflect how hard a child’s brain and body are working underneath.
That is why we look at the whole chil, their development, emotional wellbeing, sensory needs and everyday experiences to understand what may be contributing to their difficulties.
You don’t need to decide whether your child needs INPP, Play Therapy or Brain Balance before contacting us.
Our aim is to make that journey clearer for you.
Learn more about INPP
Meet Tara
Tara Cupples is our Neurodevelopmental Practitioner at WayMaker, with specialist training in the INPP Neurodevelopmental Programme and a degree in Children’s Care, Learning and Development Management.
With a warm, holistic approach, Tara looks beyond the difficulties a child is experiencing to understand what may be happening underneath. She guides families through each stage of the INPP journey, making the process feel clear, supportive and manageable.
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Starting something new can feel like another thing to work out, particularly when you have already spent a long time trying to understand why your child is struggling. We keep the INPP process clear and guide you through it step by step.
1. Initial questionnaire
You begin by completing an INPP screening questionnaire, helping us understand your child’s development and the difficulties you are noticing.2. A conversation with us
We look through the questionnaire and talk with you about your concerns. If INPP appears appropriate, we explain the programme and answer any questions before you decide whether to continue.3. INPP assessment
Your child completes a detailed assessment looking at areas of neuromotor development, including balance, coordination and signs of retained primitive reflexes.4. An individual programme
If the assessment identifies areas that would benefit from support, your child receives an individual programme of carefully selected developmental movements.5. Short daily movements at home
The programme is practised regularly at home. We will show you exactly what to do so that you feel confident supporting your child.6. Review and progression
Your child returns for regular reviews every seven weeks. Their progress is monitored and their movement programme is adjusted gradually as they move through the programme.You do not have to understand the science or know which reflexes may be involved. We will explain what we find in clear language and walk alongside you throughout the process.
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Children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and sensory processing differences can experience challenges with areas such as coordination, posture, attention, sensory regulation, handwriting and learning. Some neurodivergent children may also show signs of neuromotor immaturity or retained primitive reflexes.
INPP is not a treatment for autism, ADHD and we would never want to change the qualities that make a child who they are.
Instead, an INPP assessment can help us explore whether aspects of underlying neuromotor development may be adding an additional layer of difficulty for an individual child.
Whether your child has a diagnosis, is waiting for an assessment or simply has difficulties that you are trying to understand, we focus on the child in front of us rather than the label.
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INPP is a structured neurodevelopmental programme that assesses for signs of neuromotor immaturity, including retained primitive reflexes, and provides an individual programme of specific developmental movements.
Brain Balance takes a broader approach, using movement, rhythm and sensory activities to develop foundational skills that support regulation, coordination, attention and learning.
You don’t need to know which approach your child needs.
We look at the whole child and help you understand the most appropriate place to start.
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Does my child need a diagnosis to access INPP?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis to complete an INPP assessment. We look at their individual developmental history and the difficulties they are experiencing rather than requiring a particular diagnosis.
What age is INPP suitable for?
Suitability depends on the individual child and the type of INPP assessment or programme being considered. We can discuss your child’s age, development and current difficulties with you before arranging an assessment.
How long does the INPP Programme take?
INPP is a developmental programme rather than a quick intervention. Children progress at different rates, but programmes commonly continue over a number of months, with regular reviews along the way. We will explain the likely commitment before you begin.
Do we need to do exercises at home?
Yes. The programme involves a short sequence of specific movements practised regularly at home. Consistency is an important part of the programme, but you will not be expected to work it out yourself. We demonstrate each movement and make sure you feel comfortable with what you are doing.
Does INPP treat ADHD or autism?
No. INPP should not be presented as a treatment or cure for ADHD, autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions. The programme assesses aspects of neuromotor development that may sometimes be contributing an additional difficulty for a child.
Will INPP help at school?
The aim of the programme is to support underlying neuromotor development. Where difficulties in this area are contributing to the effort involved in things such as posture, coordination, handwriting, visual tracking or concentration, parents may notice changes in everyday activities over time. Every child is different, so we do not promise particular academic or behavioural outcomes.
Ready to explore whether INPP
could help your child?
Still Not Sure if INPP Is Right for Your Child?
You don’t need to work that out on your own. Tell us a little about what you are noticing, and we can help you understand whether INPP or another area of support at WayMaker may be the right place to start.
