Deprived Swindon community could get special needs centre

The refurbishment will cost around £600,000 and reopen in September 2024

Plans have been submitted to bring back a children's centre in one of Swindon's most deprived areas.

Swindon Borough Council is proposing an early years learning and family centre at the Penhill nursery site in Everleigh Road.

The centre will provide specific provision for children with special educational needs (SEND).

Councillor Paul Dixon said the council hopes to prepare SEND children "to live happy and fulfilling lives".

He added: "This proposal will ensure that more children with SEND are able to access early years' entitlement through either inclusion outreach or through specialist early years places."

The Penhill Nursery site has been vacant for four years.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the review stated that investing in high quality support for children will have positive outcomes for the community.

The report said the site is in an area of high deprivation with a strong need for SEND provision and is easily accessible without a car.

Members of Swindon Borough Council's Labour cabinet will be asked to approve the plan on 13 December.

The project to refurbish the building, alongside the Saltway Centre in Middleleaze, will cost £600,000 and both centres are expected to open by September 2024.

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