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Rent rise puts future of SEN play group in doubt

Clare Worden
BBC News, Norfolk
BBC Beth and her son Fernee are sitting on a grey sofa with pink pillows. They are looking at each other. Beth has long brown hair and is wearing a black top and tros. Fernee is a little boy wearing a grey tracksuit. He holds a coloured brick in each hand. BBC
Beth said the group have been 'beyond helpful' ing her son Fernee

Parents are worried about the future of free play sessions for children with special educational needs (SEN), being run for families in a district.

The Traquinas Hub which runs sessions has been renting space from The Charles Burrell Centre (CBC) in Thetford, Norfolk.

The CBC, which is itself a charity, is increasing the rent from £750 to £1,140.

Increases for all tenants were essential to help it balance its books, the business and community hub said.

Charlotte holds Elijah on her hip and she has a dummy in her mouth. Elijah is about 4 years old wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and light blue tros. He has glasses and is looking straight at the camera. Rachel has long brown hair pulled back in a pony tail. She has a dark blue sweatshirt on as well.
Charlotte said the group has been an invaluable to her and her son Elijah

The sessions have had a big impact on families with SEN children.

Charlotte said her son Elijah's complex medical needs meant most groups were not suitable for them.

"We need this for the kids that don't access other places easily," she said.

"It can be very lonely, but having a place like this, there are others in the same situation that you can talk with."

Beth brings her little boy Fernee, who is two years old.

"This the first place I've been for SEN children and they have just been beyond helpful.

"Before we came to this group he wouldn't socialise. He wouldn't play or interact - just be glued to me.

"Now as soon as we walk in he is happy to just run in and he's not shy anymore."

External view of a brick building with 3 large shrubs in front of it. The sign says 'The Charles Burrell Centre. Uniting Community, Learning & Business Under One Roof".
The Charles Burrell Centre is based in a former school building

Carla Ferreira runs Traquinas Childcare, which has two nurseries in Thetford, as well as a base at the CBC where they deliver free SEN sessions and paid-for holiday clubs.

She started the SEN group three years ago after her own experience with her daughter, who has a rare genetic condition.

"I know the struggle of these parents, they have to fight for everything,". Mrs Ferreira said.

"I just wanted to do something that they don't have to fight for.

"Why can't a non-profit community building [The CBC] embrace what we are doing here":[]}