A Crewe nursery has transformed a former West End social club into a dedicated space for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Dino Nursery and Preschool, Underwood Lane, has opened The Nest at the former Pioneer Club, creating a specialist environment designed to help children develop at their own pace.

The building, previously used as a private members' club and youth club, took 12 months to renovate.

The old stage has been transformed into a library room, alongside a sensory room and calming spaces designed around children's individual needs.

The Nest opened in the second week of September and has already seen growing demand, with local professionals recommending the setting to families.

Founder, Nadine Latham, from Crewe, told Nub News: "Not long after opening, we realised there was a very high demand for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

"Parents were struggling to find nursery places, and existing settings were finding it difficult to support children with complex needs.

"Our long-term projected plan was to open a nurture room, which we named The Nest. It is tailored completely around meeting their specific needs.

"The next similar dedicated SEND nursery provision locally is available in Stoke-on-Trent, so what we offer at The Nest is rare."

Rather than waiting for lengthy funding processes or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the Crewe nursery provides funding immediately to introduce tailored support and interventions.

The team works with external professionals, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Nadine said: "We have children who previously could only attend for a couple of hours a day who are now doing full hours.

"We have seen children progress from sensory-seeking or disruptive behaviours to sitting at tables and using communication boards."

The nursery currently has 69 children and 25 staff members, including 11 children with identified SEND.

Children attending its mainstream provision can also access targeted sessions in The Nest.

Nursery manager, Vicki Harding, told Nub News: "We have already seen a huge difference in their development since they started in this space. Our goal for every child here is to give them the best start in life."

Vicki said Cheshire East Portage and speech and language clinics now regularly recommend the new Crewe setting to families.

Cheshire East has also asked to use samples of the nursery's curriculum in training modules to help other settings support children with SEND.

Inside The Nest, neutral colours, controllable lighting, cosy corners and small pods create a calm, home-from-home atmosphere. Interactive technology, including a floor projector and whiteboard, supports learning, movement and communication.

Manager of The Nest, Hollie Foster told Nub News: "This space is a safe, nurturing, home-from-home environment where children are accepted for who they are and whatever level they are at.

"They aren't pushed to conform or tick boxes; they are allowed to be themselves, communicate in whatever way works for them, and regulate as needed."

Nadine said the lack of SEND support remained a major concern, with many families struggling to find nurseries able to meet their children's needs.

She added: "Even in the short time The Nest has been open, we have seen the huge difference it makes to children and parents.

"If there was more funding, capability and training, and every setting could implement something similar, it would make a massive difference."

Nadine, whose own son has autism, said early intervention was vital to helping children prepare for the next stage of their education.

"Early years are the foundation for learning, and we want to ensure all children leave with the support they need so they can successfully transition into their next steps."

The team is already planning to reintegrate three children into the mainstream nursery after Christmas, following the progress they have made at The Nest.

A parent giving feedback on Dino's Nursery and Preschool told Nub News: "My daughter Rosie, who is a non verbal autistic girl with special needs went to Dinos before starting reception at a specialist hub in a mainstream school this September.

"Dinos has been such a special place for Rosie and our family. The care, patience and dedication of the entire team have been exceptional, going far beyond what we could ever have expected.

"They have supported Rosie's individual needs, championed her development and helped us navigate the journey towards getting her the autism support she deserves and needs.

"We will always be grateful to Nadine, Holly and the whole team for making such a huge difference to Rosie's life. We couldn't recommend Dinos more highly."

Katie Mitchell, who delivers weekly Spanish classes the children, added: "Dino's Nursery has created a truly wonderful environment for children who may need additional support with their development.

"We are delighted as Kidslingo Crewe to now be delivering Spanish to their smaller room, alongside the sessions we already provide across all of their other age groups.

"The space is calm, nurturing and beautifully adapted to the children's individual needs, allowing them to explore language, communication, movement and sensory experiences at their own pace.

"It was a genuinely lovely session, and fantastic to see the children so engaged and enjoying their learning.

"As a mum of a child with Cerebral Palsy and developmental delay, it is wonderful to see a setting creating such a wonderful environment and of course to be able to be a small part of the offering."

The main nursery is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm, with the Nest SEND room open from 9am to 4pm during term time.

READ MORE: Wistaston fireworks return for 2026 with 'exciting professional display.'

Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The next draw takes place on Thursday 5 November. Buy a ticket for just £2.