Parents and carers of children with SEND – we want to hear from you
We want to hear from young people with special educational needs or disabilities and their parents and carers.
Dorset Council proposes reducing its office space in Dorchester to save money
Dorset Council’s Scrutiny Committee will meet on 25 March to discuss recommendations to reduce the number of council-owned offices in Dorchester by using buildings more efficiently, offering annual savings of over half a million pounds.
Dorset Council takes action to remove abandoned vehicles across the county
On Tuesday 16 March, officers from Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement Team carried out an operation targeting untaxed vehicles in the Lynch Lane area of Weymouth that were reported as abandoned by members of the public.
Delivering free school meals to children over the Easter holidays
Dorset Council have received Government funding to provide additional support this Easter to children who receive benefits-related free schools meals.
Countdown to parking changes
Official notices are being displayed in Dorset Council car parks advising drivers of changes to parking charges from 1 April.
Elections in Dorset this May – what’s happening and where
Although elections are not taking place this year for Dorset Council councillors (they happen in 2024), some by-elections and neighbourhood plan referendums and the Police Crime Commissioner election are taking place in the county on 6 May. These are: By-elections for: Lyme Regis Town Council Weymouth Town Council – Wyke Regis Ward Weymouth Town Council… Read more Elections in Dorset this May – what’s happening and where
Dorset Council partners with environmental charity in new campaign to stop people trying to recycle disposable nappies
National survey reveals that more than one million UK nappy users are putting them in their recycling bin.
The Met Office has issued warnings of gales, with large unpredictable waves posing a special risk this week
“If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast and be in a position to take your exercise there in line with local COVID-19 restrictions, we’d urge everyone to take extra care this week. “Dress up warmly, take a fully charged mobile phone and stay well back from cliffs and strong waves which can be… Read more The Met Office has issued warnings of gales, with large unpredictable waves posing a special risk this week
We want to hear from young people with special educational needs or disabilities and their parents and carers.
Dorset Council and our partners are determined to work together to transform the way we work with children and young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND) and their families.
Ground-nesting birds under pressure from increased visitors
March marks the start of the ground-nesting bird season and as the pressure from visitors to our open spaces has increased during lockdown, so has the pressure on the creatures that live in them.
Just one week left to give your views on the Dorset Council Local Plan
The consultation on Dorset Council Local Plan ends on 15 March. The plan, once adopted, will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset until 2038.
Dorset schools and colleges look forward to welcoming all students back
Dorset Council has been working with schools and colleges to make sure that all pupils are welcomed back safely from 8 March.
Dorset Council celebrates receiving £19 million of funding to reduce its carbon footprint
Councillors and officers are working hard on how they intend to update and upgrade Dorset Council’s properties using £19 million of grant funding, awarded by the government to help to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
Kindness is key in keeping your loved ones safe this Spring
There is good news for families across Dorset following the government’s announcement of plans for care home residents to have a named single visitor from 8 March.
Massive response to Dorset Council’s recent childcare survey
Earlier this year, we asked parents and carers to help us shape future childcare provision in Dorset.
Domestic abuse support still available
With the continued pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dorset residents experiencing domestic abuse are reminded they can get confidential advice and support.
Household recycling centres once again straining under increased visitor numbers
Do not visit a household recycling centre (HRC, or “the tip”) right now unless your waste cannot be stored safely at home. This is the simple message that Dorset Council is using to help deal with rising visitor numbers.
Is your child worried about going back to school?
Many children will be looking forward to going back to school next week, but some may also be feeling uncertain. After so long off school, it is completely natural for some children to feel slightly anxious about returning.
Step Up to a career in child and family social work
Are you interested in a career in Social Work working with children and families with Dorset Council?
Dorset schools and colleges look forward to welcoming all students back
Dorset Council has been working with schools and colleges to make sure that all pupils are welcomed back safely from 8 March.
Majority of Dorset pupils get their first choice of senior school
On Monday 1 March, young people across Dorset will find out which school they will be joining in September.
A statement from Dorset Council about the leaflets circulation Swanage
Cllr David Walsh, Portfolio Holder for planning, said “It has come to my attention that leaflets are circulating around Swanage regarding The Dorset Council Local Plan’s proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site on Land at Washpond Lane and Ulwell Road. While we welcome residents raising awareness of the Dorset Local Plan and the opportunity… Read more A statement from Dorset Council about the leaflets circulation Swanage
One month left to have your say on what makes a good day in Dorset
The views of anyone who accesses or works in day centres across the Dorset Council area, have one month left to submit their questionnaires about What makes a good day? – in a first-of-its-kind survey for day services.
Volunteers, we thank you
Public sector organisations across Dorset are paying tribute to all volunteers who have given their time and expertise for free during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
200th child placed with their forever family
Aspire Adoption, one of the country’s first Regional Adoption Agencies, has placed its 200th child with their forever family.
Unpaid carers can now request free PPE
Unpaid carers in the Dorset Council area can now request free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for when they are carrying out their caring responsibilities.
Mortality support facility stood down
The mortality support facility (MSF) that was activated as part of Dorset’s ongoing response to the current Covid-19 emergency has been placed on standby.
Council proposes to stop funding its Tourist Information Centres, looks at future options
Dorset Council will propose to stop funding their last three Tourist Information Centres (TICs) in Dorchester, Sherborne and Wareham that it currently runs, and investigate alternative ways of providing these services in the future.
Dorset Council approves proposals for budget 2021-22
Dorset Council has agreed to increase its budget for financial year 2021-22 to just under £313m (from £304m the year before).
Could you foster a child in Dorset?
Every year, hundreds of children need foster carers in Dorset while they can’t live with their own families. Could you open your home be one of our highly valued foster carers?
