Published on Friday 06 March 2026
Pictured left to right: Tracy Harley Dingley's Centre Manager Christchurch, Lisa Linscott Director of Education and Skills BCP Council, Catherine Mole CEO of Dingley's Promise
Dingley’s Promise, a national provider of specialist early years SEND support and training, is delighted to announce the opening of a new specialist SEND centre in Christchurch.
Delivered in partnership with Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the new setting will offer tailored intervention and developmental learning opportunities for young children aged 0 to 5, who have been identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Children and families will benefit from the accessible and adaptive environment and inclusive curriculum which ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The centre also has a Family Outreach Programme, providing support to local families of children with SEND whose children are not accessing centre support.
Located on Draper Road, the Christchurch centre will provide around eight places per session, offering early identification and targeted support to nurture each child's developmental journey.
The team will help children prepare for a successful transition into mainstream or specialist education and link with their next setting to ensure this change is as smooth as possible for them.
This is the third specialist SEND Centre opened by Dingley’s Promise in partnership with BCP Council, joining established settings in Bournemouth and Poole. The centre will work in close partnership with families, local professionals, early years teams and other local settings to promote inclusion, build confidence, and help each child develop at their own pace.
Lee Friend, Chief Operating Officer at Dingley’s Promise, said:
“We are so pleased to open our third centre in partnership with BCP Council following the success of our Centres in Bournemouth and Poole. Dingley’s Promise is proud to give access to inclusive education for children in their earliest years, investing in targeted strategies, and inclusive curriculum and a one size fits one approach, which gives children with SEND the best start in life.”
Cllr Richard Burton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said:
“BCP Council wants every child who needs extra support to have the chance to learn, grow and feel included right in their own community. It’s been lovely seeing children and families already getting involved in the Family Outreach Support sessions running at the centre. The excitement and positivity have been wonderful. And as the centre fully opens, we can’t wait to welcome even more families to enjoy everything this new space has to offer. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped bring this project to life.”
The centre’s Family Support Outreach Service will offer coffee mornings, Stay and Play sessions and information sessions, designed to help families to develop networks of support, as well as providing strategies and information to help them to navigate the systems and support their child effectively. Holiday playschemes will also be provided to offer respite for families and a safe and inclusive environment in which children can play, supported by specialist early years educators.
Families who would like more information about the early years SEND provision in Bournemouth and the referral and admissions process should email: admin.bournemouth@dingley.org.uk