Parents' plea over closure of SEND pre-school

Lucy and Joel Capes say the closure of the pre-school will have a huge impact on their lives

Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities attending a specialist pre-school in Dorset have launched a petition to stop it from closing.

The Dorchester Opportunity Group, which has been running for more than 30 years, has announced it will close in December.

The charity's trustees said the service was no longer financially viable and, despite discussions with Dorset Council, they had not found a way forward.

The council said it was working closely with the nursery "to explore options for extending provision and ensuring continuity of care for every child affected".

But Joel and Lucy Capes, whose son attends the pre-school, say Ms Capes would be forced to give up work if the facility closes.

She said: "It's a fantastic place for him to have a gateway into education.

"For us, with the severity of his disability, there is nowhere for us to send him come Christmas.

"I will very likely have to hand in my notice and leave my job to be able to care for him 24/7.

"It's going to force us into situations where we're going to have to start claiming benefits."

Mr Capes added: "Why is it down to a charity to ensure those children have a pathway into education?

"There are provisions in other parts of the UK that work in partnership with the council and there is direct funding that enables that provision for the children that most need it."

Lucy and Joel Capes say their son's placement offers him a pathway into education

More than 2,000 people have so far signed a petition.

A statement from the charity said: "For the last two years the trustees have been in discussion with officers at Dorset Council to find a way forwards, but sadly this has not come to fruition.

"In these increasingly difficult financial times, this small voluntary charity can no longer sustain the demands put on the service, nor remain financially viable."

Dorset Council said it did not directly fund or run individual childcare settings, adding: "We are actively exploring what support we could broker to help extend provision beyond Christmas, giving families more time to make alternative arrangements.

"Our Best Start in Life advisors are already supporting affected families with guidance and reassurance.

"We remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring children - many with complex needs - continue to access high-quality early years education and care."