A NEW farm school for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children which is set to open next month has been backed by local MP Rachel Gilmour.

Rekindling the Wild community interest company (CIC), based in Holcombe Rogus, near Wellington, has been offering services and workshops in West Buckland.

Now, CIC directors Kalee Haskins and Emily Lanigan are to open a farm school in Shutelake Farm, near Bickleigh, for SEND youngsters.

They explained their plans in a meeting with Mrs Gilmour, whose Tiverton and Minehead constituency covers West Somerset and parts of the Culm Valley and Blackdown Hills, and parishes bordering Wellington.

Mrs Gilmour discussed how extended delays in receiving education, health and care plans (EHCP) locally had left many children and families without vital support.

She has worked with constituents and stakeholders at Somerset and Devon Councils and has been outspoken about the need for a Government strategy to cope with increasing demand for EHCPs.

Mrs Gilmour said she was ‘excited’ by Rekindling the Wild’s plans to expand its services and therapies to young people across the constituency.

She said: “It was useful to meet Kalee and Emily to work on ways I can support their exciting new SEND farm school.

“Kalee and Emily’s passion for supporting young people was clear to see, and it was great to learn more about their range of therapy services.

“I look forward to working with them both to secure long-term funding to expand their services.”

Ms Lanigan said: “Our meeting was a great opportunity to discuss how Rachel can support Rekindling the Wild as we move forward.

“Rachel shared in our vision for local, targeted support, and her encouragement in our organisation was much appreciated.

“We look forward to working with her as we continue to develop and tailor our organisation to meet the needs of our local young people.”