Wiltshire Council expands SEND support with new Specialist Centre in Tidworth

Wednesday, 13 August 2025 06:00

Wiltshire Council is opening a fifth District Specialist Centre in Tidworth, expanding its commitment to supporting children under five who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

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.

The contract begins this September, and the centre is expected to be open to welcome children from November 2025.

The site at Wylye Road in Tidworth will offer approximately 10 places per session, providing targeted early years support to nurture each child’s development and confidence and prepare for a successful move into mainstream education.

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

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

Cllr 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, 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.”

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