A UNIQUE, state-of-the-art respite clinic for children with severe disabilities is set to open at Hop, Skip And Jump next week.

The Rainbow Clinic will open on Tuesday next week at the Upper Shaw Farm site which already provides day care for children with special needs.

This week the charity is putting the finishing touches to the log cabin in which the clinuic will be based.

The work there includes installing sensory equipment which can be used by youngsters with complex physical needs.

The unit will cost £15,000 and has been sponsored by the Cloth Workers’ Livery Company and the Scott Will Trust.

It will be run a by registered nurse, who is already on the staff at the centre.

Clarissa Mitchell, the founder and trustee of the Hop, Skip And Jump Foundation, which opened in Swindon in July 2011, said there was a need for the unique service in the town.

She said: “Parents can become imprisoned at home being doctors and nurses 24 hours a day and we are creating a unique environment in Swindon for these parents.

“It is for youngsters that cannot often leave home and have complex needs and the log cabin will include a wet room and sensory equipment.

“It is located extremely close to the building so they are not apart from the other children.

“It is meant to be a fun and safe clinic to give parents respite during the day, knowing they can come here between 8am and 6pm and there will be a registered nurse on hand.

“There’s certainly a need for it in Swindon and one or two parents even asked us to do this, while others out there might not even dream to think there is such a service.”

Michael Lowe, the centre supervisor, said he was excited about the opening event.

He said cabin was coming together.

“We are putting the final touches on this week, including staining the wood and installing the sensory equipment like the ball pit and the lights,” he said.

“We are looking into doing some research into what works best to support the children’s needs.

“Some of them may or be able to physically integrate as well with the other children so we built this support unit in the grounds and they won’t be isolated from the main centre.

“We area really proud to be the ones offering the unique service and I’m excited for the opening next week.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Rose Troughton, will be attending the opening of the Rainbow Clinic at noon.