IN the last few days I’ve had the pleasure of visiting two truly inspirational centres of learning in South Swindon. Not traditional schools or colleges – although we are lucky to have excellent examples of both in this area.

These are facilities which go the extra mile to provide children and young people with an experience they might otherwise not receive.

First, on Saturday, I was delighted to cut the ribbon on a new ‘countryside classroom’ at the award-winning Pennyhooks Farm in Shrivenham. This is a project run by local farmer Lydia Otter. Lydia and her team promote what’s called Care Farming, whereby children and young adults with special needs develop their social and life skills.

Pennyhooks is a small, organic family farm which offers a range of different hands-on opportunities for youngsters with autism spectrum disorder, as well as children with special needs at local schools. The new classroom, appropriately named Otter House, builds on the farm’s existing classroom and workshop facilities and means their excellent work can be extended to more young people in the local area.

Then on Monday I visited Farleigh Further Education College. You may not be aware of their work, but you will almost certainly have passed the Priory Group sign outside their building in Old Town. For ten years, Farleigh has been supporting young people in the community, providing specialist education for students with social and communication difficulties.

In that decade, the college has helped more than 200 often vulnerable young people make the transition into employment and further education.

Working in close partnership with the local community, students receive support to help their personal development and are encouraged to be more independent, which is vital for their long-term futures.

These were two examples of specialist facilities which we are so fortunate to have in Swindon, and it was a pleasure to meet all the staff and students who do such fantastic work.

Finally, on another matter, Swindon Council’s cabinet will meet tonight to make a decision on the transfer of many of the borough’s sports and leisure facilities to outside operators.

This has been a contentious issue, but it seems that the council has listened and the proposal on the table is a good compromise.

I especially welcome the shorter lease periods and the fact that a not-for-profit social enterprise is the preferred bidder. When it comes to the Croft sports fields, which have been the subject of much discussion, I want to see covenants on their use continue and not be subject to variation.

Swindon is facing challenging financial times which means difficult decisions have to be made, but I hope these vital facilities will now be secured for the future.