A CENTRE which provides short breaks for children with learning disabilities is to re-open after a £350,000 refurbishment.

Rainbow Lodge in Invicta Road, Dartford, will officially re-open on Friday (August 27) after a complete refurbishment which includes a new family room and sensory room.

The centre, which is run by Kent County Council and NHS West Kent, the primary care trust for north Kent, can host up to six children so their parents can have a break from caring for them.

Rainbow Lodge administrator Patricia Wiles said: “The place was built in 1988 so eveything needed to be improved and given a makeover.

“Before, the bedrooms were split into two areas but now they are in one, so it’s easier for the nurses to look after the children.”

Funding for the refurbishment came from the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Aiming High For Disabled Children programme, a £370m scheme to support families with disabled youngsters.

Rainbow Lodge looks after children aged five to 18 who have learning disabilities and complex needs, such as autistic spectrum disorder.

For more information on the short breaks unit, call 01322 626840 or email patricia.wiles@kent.gov.uk