A Wokingham charity is gearing up for a huge celebration to mark its work supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) over the past 40 years.
Families from across the country will be gathering at Camp Mohawk in Berkshire for a day of festivities on Sunday, June 11, to mark the milestone of Dingley’s Promise.
Those looking to join the Dingley family are also welcome.
The charity launched in Reading, and has since opened centres across the country to support more families.
It also runs a national training programme to aid early years practitioners in supporting SEND children and working more inclusively.
Catherine McLeod, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate our 40th year of giving the best start to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by holding this big event for our families past and present.
“Camp Mohawk is such a fantastic place with facilities and natural space for children with a variety of additional needs to play and socialise.
“We look forward to welcoming our families and seeing all of the children using the facilities, enjoying refreshments and playing together on the day.”
Dingley’s Promise offers nursery provision and developmental support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Charlotte James, who is supported by Dingley’s Promise together with her daughter Emilia, and is attending Camp Mohawk, said: “Dingley’s Promise has been an amazing support for us.
“Even before Emilia started the nursery, they supported us at the family support sessions where they were always happy to listen and answer any questions I had.
“At Dingley’s Promise I feel surrounded by people in similar situations which has helped me to feel less alone.
“We are so grateful for Dingley’s Promise and the patience and care that Emilia is given and are very excited to share the Camp Mohawk experience with other families, meet new people and celebrate Dingley’s Promise.”
Camp Mohawk is a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs set in five acres of ancient woodland in Berkshire. It provides a safe haven for children to enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities year-round in a secure and caring environment.
Ms McLeod added: “We welcome any families we have worked with over the last 40 years to join us, so please contact [email protected] for more information about the event and how you can join the fun.”
Dingley’s Promise says it is growing the reach of its specialist provision nationally, to ensure that more children with SEND are given the best start and more families are supported.
They are also ambitious in their target to train practitioners in mainstream settings across the country via its Comic Relief-funded training, with the aim of reaching 30,000 practitioners in their five-year programme.
For more details, log on to: dingley.org.uk
