Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families have benefited from the work of Dorset Council and its co-production partners over the past year, but they have also faced some challenges. The achievements of the work of Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) are available to read in their newly published ‘SEND Strategy Impact Report 2022-23’.
The report details the partnership’s progress towards improving people’s lives through delivering its key strategic objectives, underpinned by six priorities ranging from inclusion to preparation for adulthood. Activity has included: improving quality of education, improving support services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and enhancing local provision.
Some of the key highlights from the report include:
- Continued investment in the provision of specialist educational resources and support, including the development of new specialist units for children with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Improved guidance on speech, language and communication support, including a new online resource for families and practitioners.
- Close partnership working with parents, carers, and stakeholders to co-produce SEND services and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- A new partnership with Family Action to expertly deliver Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
The report also acknowledges that there are still areas where improvements are needed. For example, there has been a significant increase in the number of children and young people receiving Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with over 3,000 plans now in place. The pandemic has led to more people needing help with their mental health so the Early Support Hubs and the CAMHS Gateway are being expanded to meet the increase in need – mental health support in schools is also being made more readily available.
The council has committed to working with families and carers to address these, and other challenges and ensure that all children and young people with SEND and their families receive the support they need to achieve their full potential.
Councillor Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said:
“I am delighted to see the progress that has been made in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Dorset. We recognise that there is still more work to be done, but this report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality support and services to those who need them.”
The Participation Coordinator for Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC), Elaine Okopski said:
“Another very busy year! The Dorset ‘Partnership’ continues to strengthen, providing high support and high challenge. Involving the ‘voice’ of parent carers is now an expectation when undertaking work which aims to improve services, inform policy and shape new initiatives for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disability living in Dorset.”
And David Freeman, NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board said:
“NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is committed to continuing our close partnership working with Dorset Council and Dorset Parent Carer Council to implement the Dorset SEND Strategy. We know that investing time and effort in our children, young people and families not only improves lives today, but will improve lives for years to come. The SEND strategy presents our partnership with opportunities to improve outcomes for Children and Young People with SEND, reduce health inequalities and hear the voices of our Children and Young People.”
Parents and carers who have children or young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs or disability can share their experiences and views from the last 12 month through the Dorset Impact Survey 2023 (SEND) The survey closes at midnight on Monday 26 June and all respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win Moors Valley gift vouchers. Anyone who requires a paper copy, please contact familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call on 01305 221066.
View the full SEND Strategy Impact Report for 2022-23 on the Dorset Council website.
