New centre for children with special needs to open

A new early years centre dedicated to supporting children under five with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is due to open in early 2025.

Following the successful pilot of an early years special educational needs centre in Gloucester, Gloucestershire County Council has given national SEND provision charity Dingley's Promise a three-year contract.

Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, said the centres were "a fantastic resource for families in Gloucestershire".

The new Hester's Way Centre will offer 16 places per day.

The Coney Hill centre has supported more than 100 children since opening in 2023.

In addition to nursery sessions, both centres will provide a family support outreach service, 'Stay and Play', and information sessions.

Holiday play-schemes will also be available for families, providing "a safe and practical environment for children with special additional needs to play, supported by specialist early years educators".

Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We want every child to have the best start in life, so they can grow up to live lives of choice and opportunity.

"Dingley's Promise has extensive expertise supporting young children with SEND, and many make successful moves to mainstream education."

Lee Friend, chief operating officer at Dingley's Promise, said the charity had received "fantastic support" from the council.

"Our Gloucester centre has been a huge success, providing vital support to many local children and families, we are excited that many more families in and around Cheltenham can now also benefit from the services and support we provide," Mr Friend said.

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