A new specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to open in Shipston.

The Dovecote at Shipston-on-Stour Primary School will open in late October, offering support for children with complex needs related to communication and interaction, including autism.

This is the first provision of its kind in the South Warwickshire area.

Read more: Bridge swept away at Feldon Valley Golf Club in Cotswolds

The Dovecote will work with the school, parents, carers, and Warwickshire County Council to focus on developing self-regulation skills, increasing independence, and preparing children for their future.

Admission to The Dovecote is available for children up to year four with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).

Placements will be managed in conjunction with the Warwickshire High Needs Panel to ensure that those who need the support most can access it.

The Stour Federation Multi Academy Trust, of which the school is a member, has been campaigning for a specialised SEND resource provision for nine years.

Lisa Pang, Trust SENDCo for the trust, said: "The Trust and Shipston Primary School have been campaigning for a specialised SEND resource provision for nine years.

"We are fully aware of the high level of SEND need in South Warwickshire, and we are thrilled to bring our vision to life, thanks to Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Delivering Better Value’ initiative.

"This provision will offer crucial support to children and families in our local area and we are looking forward to welcoming them to The Dovecote."

The trust aims to improve both the educational outcomes and social opportunities of children with SEND, fostering an inclusive culture where all children feel a sense of belonging and have access to the full curriculum.

Christian Hilton, chief executive of the trust, said: "It aligns perfectly with our Trust’s ethos of inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all children, including those with SEND, within mainstream schools.

"Our hope is to ensure that every child feels supported and valued, while providing the specialised resources needed to help them thrive."

To showcase the new provision, the school will host an open afternoon on Friday, October 25 from 1pm to 3pm for parents of children who meet the admission criteria.