About Us

Role of the Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centre is committed to helping children with disabilities and special needs live their lives to the full. This special place - recognised as a centre of excellence - brings dedicated and experienced staff together to work with children and their families.

At the Centre's superbly equipped yet warm and welcoming premises, the multi-disciplinary team uses a range of therapies and specialist facilities to help children reach their full educational, physical, emotional and social potential. The centre opened in 1976 and was among the first of its kind, offering support and specialist help under one roof, making it easier for children and their families to get the services they need.

A large extension was added in 2003, with a new therapy department, autism centre and information room, ensuring that more people than ever can benifit from this important community resource.

Friends of Bedford Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centre relies on the generosity of local people to support its important work.

The Friends of the CDC raised more that £1 million to build and equip the new extension, through major support from the Bedford Charity (Harpur Trust), the Panacea Society, plus national and local trusts and fundraising activities.

The running costs of the Centre are met by the local Health and Education services, but the Friends are committed to providing further funds to ensure that children and their families continue to benefit from the very latest equipment.