'Incredible' centre to address SEND demand

An early years centre supporting children under five with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has opened.

The site in Wylye Road in Tidworth - the fifth in Wiltshire - is run by national charity Dingley's Promise in partnership with Wiltshire Council.

The facility provides inclusive play-based sessions, including a sensory room, as well as support to local families.

Tidworth mum Zoe said her son Eli would access the specialist services and said the support they had received so far had been "absolutely incredible".

According to Wiltshire Council, the county receives 70% less financial support for SEND education than the highest funded local authority in the country, which is Camden.

Councillor Charlie Stokes has responsibility for SEND education at the council and said it was working with campaigners and the government to try to level out funding.

Stokes, who said one of her children is awaiting an autism assessment, added: "I understand how lonely it can be, but there is a lot of support out there for people."

Zoe's three-year-old son Eli has suspected autism and sensory issues.

She said her family "didn't know which way to turn", but now her son was "not going to fall through a hole".

"He's going to be supported and helped the way he should be all through school," she added.

The south-east Wiltshire centre is the 12th run by Dingley's Promise in the country and offers 10 places per session.

The CEO of Dingley's Promise, 48-year-old Catherine Mole, said there was a major need for SEND support in Tidworth, particularly because it is a garrison town.

"For a lot of the army families, because they've moved around so much, that can really cause an issue with their child getting stable support," she said.

"I've been talking about coming into Wiltshire for eight years now so it's so exciting."

It is the fifth specialist facility offering SEND support opened by Wiltshire Council, with other centres in Salisbury, Devizes, Trowbridge and Chippenham.

The opening comes as the government prepares to publish its Schools White Paper and announce anticipated reforms to SEND.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for education and skills at Wiltshire Council, said: "These centres play a vital role in giving children with SEND the best possible start in life."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.