A SPECIALIST pre-school that is a ‘lifeline’ for children with additional needs is facing closure after nearly 25 years due to a funding shortfall.

The Dorchester Opportunity Group, a charity which provides care for children with specialised needs throughout West Dorset, has lost £40,000 of its annual funding as their biggest sponsor has pulled out.

The centre, on Maiden Castle Road, supports children and their families living with learning disabilities such as autism, speech and language delay and down’s syndrome.

All children who benefit from the work of the group are referred by paediatricians, health visitors, speech and language therapists or social workers.

Manager Nyree Gibbs said: “We’re all still hoping it doesn’t come to closure. It would be a tragedy if these children were denied the facilities and support we offer, not just for them, but also their families who need some respite and help.

“We desperately need funds. As a group our overheads are really high. Our biggest expense is our staff as all of our children receive one-to-one care rather than one-to-eight because that is what the children need.”

Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the groups existence is under threat as it has been unable to secure further funding from the Big Lottery now its five-year grant has come to an end.

Up to October 2016 the Big Lottery provided £40,000 a year, representing some 40 per cent of the total budget.

Gemma Follett, a newly-appointed trustee and parent of two children who attend the group said: “It’s been a lifeline for our family and dozens of others. Without its fantastic support, as a parent of a disabled child, you feel isolated and judged till you’re at breaking point.”

The centre helps encourage children by using speech and language therapy, music, movement sessions, swimming, and family outreach programmes.

Dr Wei Liang Yap, paediatrician consultant at Dorset County Hospital, said: “The Group provides a valuable resource for young children with identified special needs, and for those who have clear difficulties but for whom clarity of diagnosis has not yet been reached.

"It would be a significant loss, if these children are no longer able to access this service, which is excellent. There is no equivalent alternative locally.”

To make donations or suggest funding opportunities email dorchester-opportunity-group@btconnect.com.