A long-planned care home in Stamford Hill serving the whole community has welcomed its first resident, an 11-year-old boy.

The Bayis Sheli residential and respite facility in Stamford Hill took in the boy on Tuesday. The hope is to accommodate hundreds of children with moderate-to-severe special needs from throughout Britain every year, particularly through the respite element.

Initially expected to open in 2012, the £7 million home was delayed through funding issues.

Bayis Sheli co-founder Leah Stern - whose late daughter, Yitty, was born severely disabled - was "very excited that we're finally getting to where we want to be. Other parents shouldn't have to go through what I went through."

A number of requests have been received for accommodation at the 24-bed home, where communal facilities include play and sensory rooms and a hydrotherapy pool.