New Send centre for children under five to open

The centre planned for Tidworth will be for Send children under five

A new specialist centre is opening to support children under five years of age who have special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

Wiltshire Council will be expanding its Send support with the the District Specialist Centre in Tidworth, the fifth one in the county.

It will be run by national charity Dingley's Promise, with access usually arranged through referrals from relevant professionals or organisations.

The centre will offer dedicated support, such as play schemes, when the contract begins in September and it will welcome children from November at a site on Wylye Road in the town.

The centres are designed to build children's confidence and support development.

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. By working closely with families and early years providers, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive."

Lee Friend, from Dingley's Promise, said the charity is excited about the new centre.

"We look forward to using our vast experience of early years Send intervention and support to help children in the early years with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive, to connect with the community and offer broader support to families and local early years settings and schools," he added.

The four centres already operating in Wiltshire include the John McNeill Centre in Salisbury, Stepping Stones in Trowbridge, Springboard in Chippenham and Devizes and District Opportunity Centre.