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SEND Services in Dorset

South WestUnitary Authority
Council website

Dorset, a largely rural county in the South West, is committed to strengthening SEND support through close partnerships between the local authority, health services, and Dorset Parent Carer Council, as recognised in a recent SEND Local Area inspection. Recent progress includes opening Family Hubs in six locations with more planned, launching a 0 to 25 Birth to Settled Adulthood Service for children with disabilities or complex needs, and developing a new Sufficiency Strategy to ensure enough high-quality care places. Dorset SENDIASS offers impartial advice to help you navigate these services, providing reassurance that you're not alone in supporting your child's needs.

With Dorset SENDIASS offering that vital impartial guidance, JakTrack steps in as your everyday companion, quietly building a clear picture of your child's needs from simple daily logs - so over time, you'll walk into appointments feeling prepared, supported, and truly in control. Starting early lets this evidence grow naturally, turning those overwhelming moments into ones where you advocate with quiet confidence alongside Dorset's strengthening services. You're not just tracking; you're gaining the reassurance that comes from seeing patterns and progress unfold right in your pocket. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & SEND Provision

11

Schools

3

Specialist

0

SEN Units & Resource Bases

52,460

Total Pupils

16.2%receive SEN Support

8,517 pupils

5.8%have an EHCP

3,051 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 Dorset's Local Offer

IASS

Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.

Dorset SENDIASS

01305 595477[email protected]Website

Parent Carer Forum

Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC)

07827 793244Website

EHCP

SEND Team

Dorset Council SEND Team

[email protected]Website

Occupational Therapy

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust (Children's OT)

Speech and Language Therapy

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust (SALT)

Other Services

Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance

Website

Preparing for Adulthood / Transition team

New EHCPs by Primary Need

Schools

years old

Graduately Developing Futures

Special
Ages 6-14Capacity: 36BH16 6DA
Website

Kingfisher School

Special
Ages 6-16Capacity: 50DT4 0JH
Website

Millie College

Special
Ages 16-25Capacity: 80BH16 6JN
Website

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 Dorset.

To request a statutory assessment for an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) in Dorset, contact your child's school or early years setting first to discuss your concerns, and they can make the request to Dorset Council. You can also request it directly from Dorset Council by emailing [email protected] or calling 01305 221143. Dorset SENDIASS can guide you through the process; call them at 01305 595477 or email [email protected].
Dorset SENDIASS is a free, impartial, and confidential service offering information, advice, and support to parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND, as well as the children themselves. They help with topics like EHCPs, school choices, health and social care services, and your rights. Contact them by phone at 01305 595477 or email [email protected].
Dorset has 3 specialist schools for children with SEND. These provide places for pupils needing extra support beyond mainstream schools. You can find more details on Dorset's Local Offer website.
The Local Offer is a guide from Dorset Council listing all services, support, and activities for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND and their families. It covers education, health, social care, and leisure options. Visit it at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/sen-and-disability-local-offer/dorsets-local-offer.
The statutory timeline for an EHCP assessment in Dorset is 20 weeks from the request to issuing the final plan, if approved. This includes 6 weeks to decide on assessment and 14 weeks for the assessment itself. Timelines can vary, so contact Dorset SENDIASS for advice on your situation.

Navigating SEND in Dorset?

JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for EHCP reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.

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