SEND Services in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a bustling unitary authority blending urban vibrancy with coastal and rural charm, home to over 400,000 people and serving as one of the denser populated areas in the South West, which supports a range of accessible SEND services tailored to local families. SEND support in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole benefits from above-average pupil attainment overall - one of the highest in the region - while addressing key needs like speech, language, communication, and social emotional mental health through dedicated primary and secondary provisions. For impartial guidance, contact SENDiass4BCP, and rest assured that with a median EHCP assessment time matching the 20-week statutory limit, help is structured to arrive when families need it most.
With timely EHCP assessments arriving right when you need them in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, JakTrack empowers families to feel truly prepared and in control by quietly building a clear picture of your child's daily patterns over time. Starting early means you'll walk into appointments with SENDiass4BCP or reviews supported by meaningful insights that highlight what's working, without the overwhelm of starting from scratch. It's that steady companion, turning everyday care into quiet confidence for your journey ahead. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
6
Schools
4
Specialist
0
SEN Units & Resource Bases
55,283
Total Pupils
7,828 pupils
3,189 pupils
Services & Contacts
Local Offer
Every Local Authority must publish a "Local Offer" - a directory of all SEND services and provision in their area.
View Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
SENDiass4BCP
Parent Carer Forum
Parent Carers Together
Parent carer forum representing voices of parent carers of children and young people with SEND (0-25 years) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
EHCP
SEN Team
SEND Statutory Services Team
Median assessment: 20 weeks (legal limit: 20)
SEND Team
SEND Statutory Services Team
Portage
Portage Home Visiting Service - BCP Council
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Service
Educational Psychology service providing statutory assessments and support
Occupational Therapy
Children's Occupational Therapy Team - BCP Council
Occupational therapy services for children with SEND
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy services for children and young people
Other Services
Personal Budgets / Direct Payments
Adult Social Care Direct Payments Advice Team
Early Help / Family Support
BCP Council Early Help Teams
Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance
Travel and Transport Services
Mediation / Disagreement Resolution
Global Mediation
Preparing for Adulthood / Transition team
Preparing for Adulthood Team - BCP Council
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Understanding school SEND provision
Schools in England provide SEND support at different levels. Here's what each type means:
Specialist School
A school that exclusively educates children with SEND. Smaller classes (typically 6-12 pupils), staff trained in specific needs, and environments designed for children who need more support than mainstream can provide. Places are usually named in an EHCP.
SEN Unit
A dedicated unit within a mainstream school, staffed by specialists. Children are on the roll of the unit but may join mainstream classes for some lessons. Offers a middle ground - specialist support with mainstream social opportunities. Usually requires an EHCP.
Resource Base
Extra resourced provision attached to a mainstream school. Children are on the mainstream roll but can access additional support, equipment, and specialist staff. Some resource bases focus on specific needs like autism or speech and language.
SEN Support (Mainstream)
Every mainstream school has a legal duty to identify and support children with SEND. This includes having a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), providing reasonable adjustments, and putting in place SEN Support plans. You don't need an EHCP for SEN Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about SEND support in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.
Navigating SEND in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for EHCP reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
See How JakTrack Helps
Social Care
Children's First Response MASH
For enquiries and referrals to BCP Council social care services for children and young people under 18