Derbyshire County Council has announced the commencement of construction on a £5 million purpose-built children's home designed to provide essential care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place earlier this month at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield, with council officials joining project partners to mark the start of the development. The new facility will be located on the Ashgate Croft School campus and is set to open in November.

The state-of-the-art home will offer both short-break and long-term care services, providing tailored support in a nurturing environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It will also serve as a valuable resource for families, offering respite and creating opportunities for children to gain independence while maintaining important routines related to education and health.

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Designed by Concertus, the home is being built by construction partner Stepnell, and is part of Derbyshire County Council's ongoing commitment to improving services for children with disabilities and complex needs.

Spire Lodge will allow children to experience care in a setting that offers opportunities they might not have in a domestic environment, all while giving families a much-needed break from the demands of full-time caregiving. These short breaks are proven to enhance children's health and independence, supporting their development into adulthood and ultimately improving quality of life for both children and their families.

Stepnell Regional Director Tom Sewell said: "Our work at Spire Lodge shows how an effective construction process can have positive impacts not only on end users but also the wider community.

"The finished facility is set to provide such essential care for children and young people that need it the most, and we're proud to have been involved.

"The project is one example within a collection that we’ve had the opportunity to be part of alongside both Concertus and Derbyshire County Council, both of which are partnerships that we’re looking forward to continuing in our work across the region."