New children centre to address special needs demand

Children like Eva, who loves to paint, have made use of the Everleigh Centre in Swindon

A new children's centre will improve access to special educational needs and Disabilities (SEND) support.

The £600,000 Everleigh Centre opened this week in Penhill, Swindon, which had previously been described as one of the region's most deprived areas.

Koral Averies, whose daughter Eva has autism and sensory issues, said the facility will transform lives for local families who no longer have to travel miles to find education opportunities for their children.

Ms Averies said: "The facilities here are incredible, it's a safe place for children to grow and learn skills. However, I do think there is a massive calling for more."

The specialist early years centre includes accessible outdoor equipment

In January, a report revealed demand for SEND services had risen at a greater rate in Swindon than the national average, with particular concern expressed about the lack of provision in the south and east of the borough.

Located within a repurposed nursery, the Everleigh Centre includes an illuminated ball pit, a sensory zone, an outdoor nest swing for children with wheelchairs and a dedicated space for parents to unwind.

The facility was officially opened on October 8 by Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, cabinet member for education, and Neil Hopkins, deputy mayor of Swindon.

Ms Amaral-Shaikh said a widespread feeling of pride was evident from all those who worked on making the Everleigh Centre a reality.

She added: "Penhill was chosen as a convenient location for children with special needs, based on the data we are seeing.

"This is not just about securing a school place for a child, but securing an environment which caters to their needs."

Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, cabinet member for education at Swindon Borough Council, joined staff and local families to officially open the centre

In response to being asked about the widespread demand for SEND services in Swindon, Ms Amaral-Shaikh added that the borough council had been allocated a £3.4m grant to go towards a SEND provision.

She also says that feedback from families is welcome on how services can be improved.

The Everleigh Centre is an expansion of the services provided by the council's Swindon Early Years Centre, which already has a similar facility at The Saltway Centre in Middleaze.

This was where Lauren Love, who lives in Penhill, previously travelled to with her son Harrison. She is now a special early years practitioner at the newly opened Everleigh Centre.

Lauren Love says the centre will improve accessibility for local families

Ms Love said: "This centre is so needed for families here. For me, we lived at the tower blocks next door and used to travel by bus from here to Saltways in West Swindon each week.

"We do know that there is a higher level of need in the area.

"Having something like this right on your doorstep means it's easier to get the help and support you need."