A NEW specialist centre for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) children under the age of five is opening its doors in Tidworth later this year.

The new centre at Wylye Road is expected to welcome children from November 2025, with the contract beginning in September, and will offer places for approximately 10 places per session.

It will provide targeted early years support to nurture each child’s development and confidence and prepare for a successful move into mainstream education.

The new centre will be operated by Dingley’s Promise a nationally recognised charity specialising in early years SEND.

Access to the service is typically arranged through referrals from relevant professionals or partner organisations.

District Specialist Centres such as this are specialist nursery settings that deliver support both within the nursery and through outreach to other early years providers.

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These centres work in close partnership with families, professionals, and mainstream settings to promote inclusion, build confidence, and support children’s development.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We are delighted to be opening a fifth District Specialist Centre in Tidworth.

“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.

“The addition of a District Specialist Centre in Tidworth strengthens our commitment to inclusive education and support across Wiltshire.”

Lee Friend, chief operating officer at Dingley’s Promise, said: “Dingley’s Promise are excited to be working with Wiltshire Council to open a specialist SEND centre in the Wiltshire area.

“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.”

The Tidworth centre will follow the same successful model alongside the four existing District Specialist Centres across Wiltshire:

• John McNeill Centre – Salisbury
• Stepping Stones – Trowbridge
• Springboard – Chippenham
• Devizes and District Opportunity Centre – Devizes