Families with children with disabilities and special educational needs who feel isolated can now access a new East Devon activity hub outside of school hours.
Mill Water School, in East Budleigh, this week celebrated the opening of its new hub and outdoor classroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The new room and outside space, at Bicton, East Devon, will be available to families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who often feel cut-off, staying at home when the school day or term ends.
The hub and outdoor classroom are not just for Mill Water School pupils. Some of the features include play areas, a community orchard, plus a fully-equipped inside space.
SEND families can hold birthday parties, play dates, arrange training sessions or relax in the peaceful grounds.
The new stand-alone room and play space came about after headteacher Sarah Pickering looked at opening up the school during holidays after learning SEND families often felt judged and struggled to find fun activities outside of term times, and at weekends.
Sarah Irving, a mum, welcomed the opening of the hub room as a place where families who felt alone or ‘trapped’ could meet others going through similar experiences.
She said: “The reality for many parent-carers is that school holidays are often a time of home-bound activities rather than having the opportunity of exploring new or different places.”
“Safe, welcoming spaces that can accommodate complex needs are rare, leaving families feeling trapped and isolated.
“The family hub-outdoor classroom will offer so many families, like ourselves a place to go that’s non-judgmental, safe and welcoming.
“Most importantly it will support our children with fun activities in a beautiful environment.”
Devon County Council (DCC) backed the build with £400,000 after learning how SEND families often felt excluded, isolated and unwelcome at many communal and public places.
Although space is limited at ‘bursting at the seams’ Mill Water School, its leaders were keen for a new shared area that promotes ‘inclusion and belonging’ for children and their families, plus room for extra teaching.
Plans were drawn up for a new hub building to use during and after the school day, over weekends and through the holidays.
The new building will be available for SEND families, community groups, and parent support networks, ‘providing a safe and inclusive place where families can meet, build relationships and feel part of a wider community’.
Sarah Pickering, headteacher, said: “This project has only been possible because of strong partnership working with Devon County Council, the generosity of local funding bodies and the determination and commitment of my staff.
“It is right that SEND families have a place where they feel safe, understood and genuinely welcome.”
The build, part-funded through charity organisations, has been almost three years in the making. Planning started in the summer of 2023, and construction began in November 2025.
Councillor Jess Bailey, DCC member for the Otter Valley this week officially opened the building.
Councillor Denise Bickley, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for services that support children and young people with SEND, said: “This project is about giving SEND families a sense of belonging and reassurance that they are valued and supported within their community.
“I’m delighted that Devon County Council was able to help Mill Water School with their vision for families – and not just of Mill Water children – to create a space that reflects dignity, inclusion and understanding, and shows what can be achieved through partnership.”
She added: “The new building represents a meaningful investment in inclusion, emotional wellbeing and community connection, helping to ensure that SEND families are not only supported in practical ways but also feel visible, valued and not alone.
“The Mill Water site is a beautiful area, with many features that families will be able to enjoy, including fully inclusive play areas, a community orchard, as well as a fully equipped inside space.
“I can imagine this becoming a really well used, vital hub for SEND families, outside of normal school times, when families need a place to meet friends and support each other.”
